Southwest Allen County Schools is seeking staffers for a new pre-K program unanimously approved by the board Tuesday.
Unrelatedly, the elected leaders also agreed to create an administrative position responsible for connecting community resources to SACS schools, but that is intended to be filled internally.
The board didn°®¶¹app™t discuss either item. Both were brought to the board for discussion last month.
Superintendent Park Ginder recommended approval of the pre-K program at Covington Elementary School despite not having secured outside funding, such as grants, to offset the anticipated cost. The program is expected to serve 24 students beginning in August.
The startup budget is $234,000 to $260,000. That includes about $80,000 for equipment along with costs related to certification requirements and hiring a teacher and two instructional assistants, Ginder said.
°®¶¹appœOver time, we°®¶¹app™d get some of that money back as students of need enter the program,°®¶¹app he said.
He was alluding to the district°®¶¹app™s intention to complete the requirements to become an On My Way Pre-K provider.
A state program, On My Way Pre-K awards vouchers to 4-year-olds from low-income families so they may participate in a high-quality pre-K program the year before beginning kindergarten.
SACS wants to earn the state°®¶¹app™s Level 3 Paths to Quality rating for early care and education programs, the minimum certification needed in order to receive funding, Ginder said. That rating is given to programs that have demonstrated the knowledge and skill necessary for planning activities and opportunities that lead children toward school readiness.
SACS currently offers preschool educational services for 3- to 5-year-olds who have developmental delays, augmented by a small number of typical peers, Ginder has said.
He has said Covington°®¶¹app™s program will meet the needs of families with a lower socioeconomic status, benefiting youngsters unprepared for school.
A job description provided to the board indicates the pre-K teacher will report to the principal, assistant principal and director of community connections and special projects °®¶¹app“ the new position the board also approved Tuesday.
The person in the new administrative post will manage efforts to promote relationships and strengthen community ties to benefit SACS, according to the job description. Responsibilities include creating partnerships with organizations that advocate on behalf of underserved communities; working with such district partners as Love Fort Wayne, LifeWise Academy and the Foundation Against Intolerance and Racism; and serving as the liaison between SACS and mental health services.
The district intends to fill the position with a current administrator, Ginder said, and SACS will immediately seek a replacement for an elementary school administrator.
