Early Childhood News
March 2021
Early Childhood Newsletter
Enrichment in Preschool
Winter Theme
Practicing scissor skills by cutting out icicles and painting with spiky rings. Students also counted snowballs and got messy with fake snow.
Igloos and Ice Castles
Our students are engineers. Building Igloos and ice castles from plastic cups challenges students to use everyday objects in ways that engage their critical thinking skills.
Exploring Senses
- Michelle M. and Christine S.
co-teachers in 3 & 4 year old preschool
Faribault Public Schools Early Intervention Program
The Early Intervention program is part of District 656’s Special Education Services. It is a free program offered to families whose child, specifically those birth to 3 years old, is eligible and has qualified through our evaluation process. Team members could include an early childhood teacher, a physical therapist, an occupational therapist, and/or a speech therapist.
Our Mission: The mission of the Faribault Early Intervention EQIP team is to develop and put into practice the skills that will empower and assist families in helping their children to grow and learn in the most meaningful ways in their natural environment.
EQIP or Evidence-based Quality Intervention Practices is an approach or strategy where the caregiver guides the visit; working within typical routines and interests of the child to enhance their child’s skills in order to make positive gains towards his/her outcomes. The early childhood team members are there to teach, guide, and coach families or caregivers to help support the development of the child in routine or everyday activities that the caregivers have identified as a need. This evidence based practice is part of ongoing research for providers to use to facilitate caregiver's interactions with their children that promote participation and engagement in their everyday routines. Children learn throughout their day as they experience their day such as getting dressed, mealtime, playtime, naps, bedtime or going to the store. Providers work with the caregivers to embed learning into these daily activities so that it occurs naturally and often.
All children grow and develop in their own way and at their own pace. Some babies, toddlers, and young children need additional support from qualified staff to learn and grow. While all young children grow and change at their own rate, some children experience delays in their development. Accessing early intervention services as early as possible will ensure the best developmental outcomes. If you have concerns about a child's development, visit the 'Help Me Grow' webpage for support and to make a referral. Anyone can make a referral and there is no cost to the family for any of the services Help Me Grow may provide to you and your family.
What is Process Art?
By Erica Triebenbach
Summer STEAM
Summer STEAM will run nine weeks and is available for all students 4 (by June 1, 2021) through grade twelve. Summer STEAM is a camp focused on developing students’ skills in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math. Breakfast and lunch will be provided at no cost. The program will run each week Monday through Thursday from 8:00-3:00, June 14 through August 12.
Below you will find applications in English, Spanish, and Somali.
Applications will be due by Wednesday, March 24th.
Please turn in forms to the District Office or your school building.
Family Engagement
Introducing Val Svenby
Hello Families,
My name is Val Svenby and I am a Family Literacy Specialist in our district along with Melody Suite, and Abdi Abdullahi. This is a new position in the district and is a part of the Comprehensive State Literacy (CLSD) grant.
We believe that family engagement is critical to student success. Research shows that strong school and family partnerships are associated with increased academic, attendance, and behavioral outcomes for students. Families play a role in their child’s education by communicating high expectations, monitoring student progress, supporting learning at home, guiding their child’s education, and advocating for their child.
A little about myself, I have worked in the District for 6 years, my previous background being an administrative assistant for the Faribault Education Center. Most of my work has been with Adult Education and Project Able (our adult disabilities program). I have also worked with McKinley Early Childhood as we have held Pre-K classes and ECFE classes in our building.
I am excited to work with you and get to know you and your families. In the coming months, I will be adding relevant information for families on our family engagement website. Here is the link: https://www.faribault.k12.mn.us/district/family-engagement.
I am also involved in the Parent Advisory and Connections Committee at McKinley where we plan events for family engagement. If you are a parent/guardian, we would love to have you serve as a member on the PACC to get your input. If you are interested, please contact me, I am also available for any questions or concerns.
I can be reached at 507-333-6070 and my email is vsvenby@faribault.k12.mn.us. You will also find contact information for our other Literacy Specialists on our website.
HealthFinders dental team will be providing preventative dental services for students with medical assistance insurance plans and students with no insurance free of charge at McKinley and Roosevelt schools. The services provided will include a polish, floss, fluoride varnish, oral hygiene instruction, sealants (if needed) and basic dental screening for infection and cavity evaluation.
If further care is needed HealthFinders dental will contact the parent(s) or guardian(s) to schedule an appointment. Every student will get to take home dental care items and a parent communication form with information from the visit. If you would like your child to receive dental services at school please complete the HealthFinders Collaborative consent form and return it to school in your child's backpack.
Dates for the visit are March 29 (McKinley) and March 30 (Roosevelt)
Olivia Sage
Email: osage@faribault.k12.mn.us
Website: https://mecc.faribault.k12.mn.us/
Location: 930 4th Avenue Northwest, Faribault, MN, USA
Phone: 507-333-6455
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mckinleyfaribault