This another in a series of articles about the REIMAGINING EDUCATION initiative at Des Moines Public Schools, looking at various aspects of this work, from why it is underway in the first place to how it could improve education for our students and community. In this article we look at how expanding preschool is part of this effort, to help more students and families have a great start to their academic journey at Des Moines Public Schools.

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Providing all Des Moines four-year-olds with access to a full-day preschool program is part of how Des Moines Public Schools is thinking differently about student learning through the Reimagining Education initiative.

DMPS Fastbridge testing data continues to show that Des Moines students who attend preschool do better in math and reading, and have better social skills, than those who do not attend any early learning. So far, our data shows this benefit lasts all the way through 6th grade.

However, many families who want to send their students to preschool simply cannot because of work schedules, a lack of transportation, or not being able to afford the additional half-day of child care. Currently, the district’s early learning program only serves about 50% of eligible four-year-old children in our city.

“Early learning experiences help to shape a child’s lifelong learning journey,” said Associate Superintendent Matt Smith. “There have been numerous research studies that have shown tremendous benefits for children who participate in preschool programs. Along with improved academic performance as they grow, especially in reading and math, children in preschool programs show better social-emotional development and are more successful in school.”

DMPS currently offers preschool in four early learning centers across the district. There are also early learning classrooms in some of our elementary schools, and the district works with community partners to provide early learning opportunities in churches and other community locations.

“We already have an excellent early learning program that is available to families throughout the community,” Smith said. “Our goal is to expand the program to serve 100% of the four-year-old children in our community. We want every child to experience the benefits of a full-day preschool experience.”

While the details for the full-day early learning program may be modified as the Reimagining Education draft recommendation is reviewed and considered by the board, staff, families and community members, the following is the current plan on offering a preschool opportunity to all four-year-old children:

  • Offer more preschool locations throughout the district.
  • Expand and enhance relationships with community partners to support full-day preschool programming.

Please look for more updates and information related to the Reimagining Education initiative and the Facility Planning Committee.

Read more about Reimagining Education at Des Moines Public Schools

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