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Referenda Impact: Early Learning

 

Referenda Report:  Teachers & Staff  |  Curricular Enrichment & Student Support  |  School Supplies

Early Learning

The 2023 Referendum has invested $6.2 million into expanding early learning, more than doubling the number of families who have enrolled children in 4-year-old Pre-K programs. In the 2025-26 school year, the referendum will expand to offer more families the opportunity to enroll their children in the 3-year-old Preschool program.

Total Investment
January 2024 – March 2025 

 

Early Learning Total Investment $6,261,134

 

 

  • Students in Pre-K more than doubled. For 2024-25, 376 children enrolled in Pre-K at MCCSC and partner programs— a 104% increase from 2023-24.

     
  • Most families received 100% free Pre-K.
    68% Free Pre-K and 32% Half-cost or less Pre-K

     
  • Teachers completed professional development on The Creative Curriculum, a research and play-based Pre-K curriculum.

     
  • Classrooms were added and enhanced. New furniture was added to new Pre-K classrooms, and worn furniture was replaced. Curricular materials were also purchased to support the new play-based Creative Curriculum.

     
  • Teachers certified in Early Childhood Education were hired to expand Pre-K to all 13 Elementary Schools. This investment in certified teachers has enhanced our programming.

 

Real Impact. Real Voices.

Families shared the impact of early learning

 

Please note: Photos are from various MCCSC schools and do not correspond to the students referenced in quotes.

 

 

Hear the impact through early learning testimonials

“This program has been pure joy! Pre-K education was too cost prohibitive. Were it not for this program it is highly probable Abdullah would have experienced a delay in his educational development as he entered kindergarten. His parents and I are eternally grateful for this opportunity for him to maximize his abilities both academically and socially. His attendance also allowed his parents to both become gainfully employed.” 

Play dough

Boys with cars

“Having a healthy and supportive school for our son allows me to maintain employment without guilt. I am super grateful for the support received from MCCSC’s Pre-K expansion. I hope all children in MCCSC take advantage of this wonderful opportunity.”
 

“We love the Pre-K program. The program is full-day, which has enabled me to keep a steady work schedule. My child receives amazing instruction and care at a reduced rate of tuition. He has learned to work well in a team, share, be empathetic, and focus for an extended period of time this year. He has also learned values we practice at home, like inclusivity and tolerance, which are of the utmost importance.”

Boys train

Girl with straws

“I appreciate this program so much and I can tell it helps my baby a lot to grow up and she’s very smart at 4 years old! I can do side jobs while she’s in school. I’m on SSDI so it goes to bills and rent.”

“My son has grown exponentially during this last school year while attending Pre-K. He’s begun to hit milestone after milestone that we were told he might struggle with for prolonged times. He’s counting and spelling and writing his name with total confidence. He’s speaking clearer and using words I never imagined he’d speak with such ease! I owe my son’s positive experience to his start within the public school system to the Pre-K program. It pains me to think of my son capabilities (or lack there of) if he hadn’t have had the opportunity to be a part of this program.”

Children colorful foldup blocks

Unionville outdoor education

“The outdoor / nature learning environment was been everything and more for our little adventurous Pre-K student. We are so pleased with the amount of outdoor learning that has taken place. It has been the most nurturing and enriching experience — preparing our five year old for her future years in education.”

“Our family has benefited greatly from enrolling our child in MCCSC’s Pre-K program. First and foremost, we’ve received high-quality early education at a fraction of the cost compared to a private childcare center. This has made a significant difference financially, without compromising on the quality of care and instruction.

Secondly, the safe and timely transportation provided by MCCSC has been a tremendous time and energy saver. Without it, we would have spent a great deal of time each day driving our child to and from school. This service has made our daily routines much more manageable.

Third, the quality of the Pre-K program has been just as strong—if not better—than the private preschool our child attended the previous year. The program offers a wonderful, play-based and age-appropriate learning experience, led by highly qualified and experienced teachers.

We’ve also deeply appreciated the strong communication between parents and teachers. Our child’s teacher keeps us informed with frequent updates, including a weekly newsletter that highlights classroom activities, learning themes, upcoming events, and—most importantly—photos of the class in action. These updates give us a window into our child’s day and reassure us that they are thriving and having fun.

Overall, MCCSC’s Pre-K program has been a valuable experience for our child and a tremendous support to our family.”

“Our daughter has benefited greatly from the pre-K program. It’s clear for us to see how she has developed socially and academically in the last year. She is learning lessons at school about how to behave politely and how to treat others. The pre-k program has strengthened her creativity and imagination. The program has helped our family by provided a safe and affordable learning environment for daughter.”

Children playing on rug

Boy learning

“I liked it because it was a smaller class size vs. the daycare he was at. I feel like the teachers pay attention more to the needs of each student and let you know of any issues and have good communication.”

“Our child has developed friendships, deepened his understanding of group dynamics, and discovered a love for reading! We couldn’t be happier with the Pre-K experience at MCCSC!”

Children on rug with blocks

Children with manipulatives

“Excellent opportunity for socialization. Focus on play based learning makes my child want to go to school, which is counter to my memories of scholastic experience. The students in the class seem to be well acclimated and cohesive, which is a testament to the education program and the teachers.”

“We loved Pre-K! Imogen comes home happy every day, singing songs she learned or new crafts in her backpack. I can tell that Ms. Nelson and Ms. Brandi take great care with the kids, listening to their needs. Imogen has learned so much as well, and is definitely ready for kindergarten. The Pre-K class has a great balance of learning necessary skills but also making play and discovering a priority. This is very important for the young age to know that learning is fun.”

Teacher and children counting

Little girl bubbles

“This has been one of the wonderful seasons of my life. Not only has it been helpful to have my granddaughter learning and interacting with other children and her teachers. My outlook on life is somehow more positive because I know she is safe and at a wonderful school with amazing principals and staff. She is happy, more calm, learning so much and it has made me even prouder to be her guardian at this time.”

“It has helped my son with communication since he was delayed in speech and has improved a lot and is able to connect with other children.”

Children color blocks

I did not imagine that a being outside of myself could care about my son so wholeheartedly. If you had asked me a year ago, I would have answered with complete confidence that I alone was capable of considering his thoughts and his feelings. 

I’m profoundly happy to admit that I would have been wrong. Ms Smith has been the greatest addition to my son’s life. She’s patient and compassionate and thick skinned enough to watch my son and his class mates grow without being disheartened by or reluctant to give them their very basic independence they need to go from toddler to child.  

Sidewalk chalk girl

“Clara has really blossomed in preschool! Her confidence, social skills, and early reading and math skills have flourished since beginning prek. The teachers are amazing educators! They truly care about each child and put their heart into all they create for their littlest learners. Clara goes to school each day excited and ready to learn and play. She truly loves her teachers, classmates, and school community. I cannot thank them enough for all they do to build a joyful class community.”

“Our son was at [another] preschool and we were not sure what to expect transitioning him to the public school system. We have been blown away by the Pre-K program (and broader early childhood instruction/programming/communication) ... My son adjusted seamlessly, and we feel confident in his being able to transition to Kindergarten next year at the same school. It has been a blessing to have him at the same school as his older brother. The class size is seemingly small and he’s been able to do some things that are more advanced based on where he is with literacy, etc. More than academics, the group seems to focus on social skills, classroom behaviors, etc. and I think Trey has taken ownership of his role as a classroom citizen.”

Child drawing with chalk at Fairview