Early learning programs stay strong through tough year
The Medicine Hat Public School Division’s board was given a rundown on children’s services during its monthly meeting.
The board heard from director of early learning Joanne Stockman who gave an update on the public board’s programming for young kids.
“We’ve been working with teachers over the past few years to update the early years framework,” she said. “MHPSD continues to offer a child-centred early learning program that is reflective of the guiding principals set out by Alberta Education.
“Experiences in the early years build brain architecture, which is a solid foundation for future learning and development.”
There are many key focus points of the early learning programming, and Stockman says teaching children with technology is a growing trend.
“More now than ever we’re learning to leverage digital in the early years,” she said.
Another key focus for the early learning programmers is play.
“That is essential,” she said. “Play is how our youngest learners develop their skills.
“We’re always looking for playful learning experiences.”
There are four main programs MHPSD offers: Community Early Learning, Early Learning, Kindergarten and Play and Learn.
There are 149, 116, 438 and 200 kids in each program, respectively.
Stockman says there have been several opportunities for the instructors to learn over the past year.
“The plan we laid out last spring, we were not able to follow through with,” she said. “We’ve learned the importance of being flexible and how to pivot.”
MHPSD is working with Police Point Park and the Interpretive Centre on a story walk at the park.
“We have families signed up this week for the walk,” she said. “Last week was so cold, we didn’t have any takers.”
Stockman also announced a partnership with Roving Gyms.