MONROE COUNTY — The road to a great education may start before kindergarten. Monroe County's two school districts are both encouraging early education by opening up their preschool programs to more students.
Edgewood Schools, also known as the Richland-Bean Blossom Community School Corporation, opened its $12 million early childhood center Thursday morning. The new building doubles Edgewood's pre-K classroom space to keep up with the demand for early education.
"We always had a long wait list every year for open enrollment; it was really hard for parents to get into the program," said Edgewood Schools preschool director Heather Kensek. "This year, we opened enrollment and did not have to turn people away. We were able to accept all of the students who enrolled, and that was really special for us."
In Bloomington, the Monroe County Community School Corporation opened its pre-K programs to three-year-old children this year thanks to a 2023 tax referendum.
New MCCSC superintendent Dr. Markay Winston said her district's parents are also embracing early education.
"Last year was the first year we fully expanded our program for four-year-olds, and we more than doubled the number of students," Winston said. "I think we are well-positioned to continue to accelerate, and we are starting with our youngest babies."
Winston believes Monroe County's children need every advantage possible because the county's population and birth rate are both declining.
"We've had a 7.7% decline in population in Monroe County," Winston claimed. "We recognize we have to do the best job we can for the students who are here."
Both Winston and Kensek believe expanded preschool is already making a difference for the county's youngest students.
"Kids in kindergarten, if they have been in pre-K, they have already learned how to sit and listen to a story with a teacher and follow teachers' directions," Kensek said.
"The kindergarten teachers are ready to receive them," Winston added. "They're saying, 'Oh my goodness, these students are walking in my door and they are ready to learn.'"
-
Icy conditions trigger multi-vehicle pileups, IndyGo bus crash
Icy roads caused crashes across central Indiana Friday morning, including a multi-vehicle pileup on State Road 46 in Monroe County and an IndyGo bus crash that sent two people to the hospital.
IU Archives unboxes 1968 Rose Bowl memorabilia before Hoosiers' return
Indiana University Archives director Dina Kellams brought out a collection of memorabilia from the 1968 Rose Bowl, much of which was donated directly to the university by Hoosier alumni.
Behind the scenes of FedEx holiday operations
It is the busiest time of year for shipping companies, including FedEx, as they work to make sure gifts arrive by Christmas Day.
Hot toys and final shipping dates every shopper needs now
Toy experts say there’s still time to find something special — but the clock is ticking both in stores and for shipping.
