Preschool Pilot Program in Lewiston Continues for Second Year

Lewiston Preschool Program Celebrates Milestone of Success in Early Childhood Education

As the 2023-2024 school year commenced, the atmosphere in Jamie Williams’ preschool classroom at Webster Elementary in Lewiston was markedly subdued. Many of her students were initially characterized by their shyness and limited verbal communication. Fast forward to last month, and the once-quiet room resonated with the lively chatter of children—a testament to the program’s growing success.

Williams, along with Peggy Flerchinger, the director of special education services for the Lewiston School District, expressed optimism about the early outcomes of the newly-established preschool program. Currently in its inaugural year, the program has observed that students have not only learned foundational academic skills such as color recognition and counting to ten, but also essential social skills. Most children can rhyme and write their names—significant milestones for preschoolers, particularly for the five students who qualify for special education services.

Substantial progress has prompted the district to renew the developmental preschool initiative for a second year, with plans for modest expansion. Flerchinger envisions that the program will not only enhance the developmental trajectory of its students but also serve as a practical solution for staff childcare needs—a critical consideration in today’s educational landscape.

The Lewiston area is home to three preschools: Webster, one at Normal Hill Campus, and a federally funded Head Start Program. Nationwide, parents grapple with a growing childcare crisis, often facing limited options that disproportionately strain their budgets. Idaho’s lack of state funding for preschool programs exacerbates this issue, leading many districts to operate developmental preschools that rely on federal financial support. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, schools must offer special education services to children aged three to twenty-two, which has prompted schools like those in Lewiston to explore in-district childcare solutions as a means to bolster employee retention and recruitment.

At Webster, Williams operates a daily schedule from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., accommodating working parents. While the cost for near-peer students is approximately 0 per month—aligning with local daycare rates—federal funding covers expenses for students needing special education services, alleviating potential financial burdens on families. The district is actively seeking additional grants to ensure the sustainability and growth of this crucial initiative.

Beyond academics, Williams’ students learn invaluable life skills, such as social interactions during breakfast and basic self-care routines. Flerchinger underscores the importance of such foundational skills, emphasizing their role in fostering independence and confidence.

Reflecting on the outcomes of the program, Flerchinger noted, “My goal was to see if our kids grew more when they were immersed with typically developing peers, and I believe our near-peers have grown significantly as well.”

Williams, who has dedicated over three decades to teaching, has found renewed purpose in this preschool setting. She cherishes the opportunity to teach not only academic concepts but also social-emotional lessons like empathy and cooperation. “Everyone’s equal here. We’re all trying our best,” she remarked, underscoring her inclusive approach that promotes respect and understanding among all students.

In summary, the renewed preschool program at Webster in Lewiston exemplifies the potential of early childhood education initiatives to not only support children with diverse needs but also strengthen community relationships and enhance staff retention within educational institutions. As the program progresses, its impact will be closely monitored, setting a precedent for future efforts in early education across Idaho and beyond.