Pattonville’s early childhood education program was selected as the Missouri School Boards Association (MSBA) FutureBuilders Early Childhood Education Program of the Year. Pattonville was selected for the state honor from among three finalists that included programs from Nixa and Park Hill.
On Saturday, Sept. 29, Laurie Wenzel, Pattonville's director of early childhood, as well as her counterparts from Nixa and Park Hill, gave presentations about their programs to a panel of judges before an audience of school board members and superintendents from from throughout Missouri at the annual MSBA conference. Pattonville was announced as the winner during an afternoon session.
The Early Childhood Education Program of the Year Award recognizes innovative and original early childhood education programs within Missouri. MSBA FutureBuilders, MSBA’s educational foundation, created the award to recognize public school districts that have shown a commitment to quality early learning opportunities for children. Award recipients are selected based on their innovative approaches and outstanding ability to engage and support the development of the children in their care as well as their overall commitment to the early childhood education profession.
Pattonville offers preschool classes in most elementary schools, providing an opportunity for children to attend preschool at the same school they will attend for their elementary years. Classes are also held at the Pattonville Learning Center. Pattonville also offers a quality Parents As Teachers program, which is a free, voluntary early childhood program designed to help parents be the first and most important teacher to their child(ren). Personal visits, group meetings, play groups and health and developmental screenings are offered to families who have children between birth to school age. Free kindergarten screenings for vision, hearing and development are also available. For more information on Pattonville's preschool programs, call (314) 213-8105.
