School to celebrate early learning programs with carnival of activities

The Week of the Young Child is an annual celebration hosted by the National Association for the Education of Young Children celebrating early learning, young children, their teachers and families.     

 Springfield School District 085 is planning a celebration of its youngest learners with an Early Learning Carnival during The Week of the Young Child.  The Early Learning Carnival will be held the evening of Monday, April 24, in Springfield Public School.   All children 0-5 years of age and their parents and siblings are invited to participate.  The carnival will be held from 5:00 to 6:30 p.m. with registration in the Early Childhood Education rooms across the corridor from the district offices. (Enter the east doors near the business office.) Activities will occur in the corridors leading to the gymnasium, the elementary gym, and outside — if the weather permits. There will be parent-involved activities, sensory tables, fish pond, creative activities, music, prizes, games for the children, and a family meal. The meal will be served in the cafeteria at 6:00.  There is no charge for the event.

“The Week of the Young Child focuses on young children and their families and recognizes early learning school and community programs and services that meet those needs,” says Early Childhood Program Coordinator and Parent Educator Jan Simonsen.  

“Springfield School District is very supportive and realizes the importance and long-term impacts of Early Learning programs,” noted Mrs. Simonsen. “Superintendent Keith Kottke and Elementary Principal Jeff Kuehn provide excellent leadership and support for our programs.”

Early Learning programs at Springfield Public School include: 

• Early Childhood and Family Education (ECFE)

•Parent-Involved School Readiness for Pre-Kindergarten children

• Tiger Cub Preschool for 3-5-year-olds

• Kindergarten Roundup

• Kindergarten Camp

• Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE)

• Preschool Screening

• Special one-time events for children 0-5 years of age, and their families.

The staff includes ECFE Program Coordinator and Parent Educator Jan Simonsen, Kindergarten Teachers Julie Hoek, Brianna Jensen and Whitney Sperry, Pre-School Teacher Amber Vogel, Early Childhood Special Education Educator Jennifer Schultz, and Teacher Assistants Sharon Ferdinandt, Melonie Heiling, Mandi Kuehn, Holly Simonsen, Courtney Schmitt, and Crystal Plaster.

Community resources expected to be represented at the Early Learning Carnival include Springfield Public Library, Brown County Public Health and Southern Minnesota Crisis Nursery.  If there are any other child/family community organizations that wish to participate, they are encouraged to call the school.