A Strong Start: Early Learning Opportunities in Focus
The board meeting opened with a comprehensive overview of the early learning programs housed within or serviced by Warsaw Community Schools (WCS), highlighting our continued commitment to providing educational opportunities for our youngest learners.
WCS Early Learning Team
WCS's special education preschool teachers Baylie Plank, Stacie Ousley, and Trish Price attended the board meeting to present on the wide array of services provided across the district and community (Kelly Duncan was unable to attend). Collectively, this team supports 165 students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) who are preparing to enter kindergarten at WCS next school year.
The WCS special education preschool team extends their services to a diverse set of learning environments, including:
Presby Preschool
Kiddie Kollege
Head Start
Sacred Heart Preschool
Good Beginnings at Jefferson
Greater Warsaw Cooperative Preschool
Lakeland Christian Academy
The YMCA Preschool Program
Consultative services for homeschool families
Walk-in support at WCS elementary schools
Expanding Access Through Good Beginnings
Trish Price shared an update on Good Beginnings Preschool at Jefferson Elementary—a blended program combining community preschool students and students with IEPs. This model fosters peer modeling, social growth and leadership opportunities. Enrollment in Good Beginnings steadily increases throughout the year, especially as other local programs reach capacity, ensuring continuous access to early learning for area families.
Head Start: Needs-Based, Whole-Child Support
Kathryn Fields, Director of the Head Start program, provided an overview of this federally funded, needs-based initiative, which offers wraparound services for qualifying students and families. Since first partnering with WCS in 2016, Head Start has expanded to three locations—Lincoln, Claypool, and Harrison Elementary Schools—serving approximately 50 children. WCS ensures that all necessary related services (speech, OT, PT, and more) are provided within the program, setting students up for a successful transition into kindergarten. Applications for Head Start are now being accepted through Cardinal Services.
Greater Warsaw Cooperative Preschool Update
Superintendent Dr. David Hoffert introduced the Greater Warsaw Cooperative Preschool, now in its second year as a tenant at Madison Elementary. The program currently offers a two-day class for 3- and 4-year-olds and a three-day class for 4- and 5-year-olds. Due to strong enrollment, a second classroom will be added next year, offering a full five-day program for 4- and 5-year-olds.
WELA: A Growing Model of Integrated Early Learning
Ben Barkey, WACC Director, introduced Amelia Hedges, Director of the Warsaw Early Learning Academy (WELA). WELA currently serves 41 children, from infants through preschool age, primarily supporting WCS staff families. The academy has grown from one to five classrooms since its launch and maintains a strong partnership with Warsaw Community High School’s child development program, offering high school students valuable hands-on teaching experience.
