This monthly newsletter is our primary way to inform you about everything happening at Parkway Early Childhood for ALL PROGRAMS. Whether it's upcoming PAT Group Connections, reminders or schedule changes we want to ensure you have all the information you need to stay connected and involved in your child's education experience.

• Fri, Aug 16: Preschool Open House (see below for schedule)
• Mon, Aug 19: First Day of School for 2024-2025!
• Mon, Sept 2: Labor Day-No Classes
  
• Sat, Sept 7: Parker Panda's Birthday Bubble Bash (10:00 am-12:00 pm)
• Thurs, Sept 19: Playground FUN!!! PAT Group Connection (5:30-6:30 pm)
• Sat, Sept 28: Parkway Parents as Teachers @ The Safety House (9:30-11:30am)

Dear Early Childhood Families,

Welcome Back! We are excited to begin the 2024 -2025 school year at Parkway Early Childhood, also known as Panda Town! Each year brings a sense of excitement and anticipation as we welcome returning families and those new to our community. Last school year, we sought feedback from staff and families to help ensure our mission, vision and values were relevant for current times and school stakeholders. We are thrilled to share our new mission statement.

THE MISSION OF PARKWAY EARLY CHILDHOOD IS TO CREATE A PLAYFUL LEARNING COMMUNITY WHERE EVERYONE BELONGS AND IS EMPOWERED TO BE THEIR BEST.

PEC’s core values are inclusion, connection, joy, trust, and collaboration. Thanks to everyone who provided feedback to help us accomplish this important work. We will be spending the year as a staff defining the mission and values in action

All SIX of our programs offer dedicated staff and quality curriculum to support your child’s growth and development. We look forward to partnering with you to ensure their success. Throughout the year, we will keep you informed about the many resources and programs Parkway Early Childhood has to offer. Strong school-to-home partnerships are essential to a child’s success and we are looking forward to working together to empower your child to become their best!

In Partnership,

Elena

Dr. Elena Amirault

Director of Early Learning

• Most Early Childhood communications are via email. Make sure we have the address checked most often.
• We know your inbox is full! Many parents have found creating a label or flag for Early Childhood emails helpful.
• Bookmark our website.
• Follow our Facebook page "Parkway School District Early Childhood". Facebook is the best platform for PEC to share links to sign up for activities and events. (We also post on Instagram)

Heather has been an Early Childhood educator since 2009. She was previously a First-grade teacher at Mason Ridge Elementary School in the Parkway School District. Before Parkway, she taught Kindergarten and First grade at Buder Elementary in the Ritenour School District. When Heather is not working, she enjoys spending quality time with her husband and three sons, reading, and walking her dogs.

Supply Lists are on the Preschool page of the Early Childhood website. Registered Kids Morning Out families will receive an email with the teacher's name and their Open House time

Parkway Parents as Teachers is a home visiting program offered at no charge for Parkway residents serving families prenatally to Kindergarten entry. The program is designed to provide families with child development & parenting information and to support parents in their role as their child’s first and most important teacher. To enroll in Parents as Teachers call (314) 415-6973 or start the process to enroll online. A representative will call you to complete enrollment.

Already enrolled in PAT? Expect a call from your parent educator this month to schedule your first home visit. Contact bmullen@parkwayschools.net if your contact information changed over the summer.

Group Connections are FREE activity sessions presented by PAT. Some are for children and parents and some are for parents-only. Group Connections are listed on the Parents as Teachers webpage with registration links:

https://www.parkwayschools.net/domain/1164

Supply Lists are on the Special Education page of the Early Childhood website.

The things we do together last forever.

Partners In Play offers a nurturing and stimulating environment for both children and caregivers to explore and learn together. These affordable, short-term classes are typically offered for one to four sessions with various start dates throughout the school year. Some classes utilize a thematic approach (i.e. science, art, music/movement or motor development) while others focus on the developmental needs and interests of children in a specific age group. Details can be found in our course catalog.

Partners in Play classes begin in September. Register for classes through the Parkway School District online registration system.

Kids Morning Out (KMO) classes will begin the week of August 19. The Kids Morning Out Open House will take place on the morning of August 16. Registered Kids Morning Out families will receive an email with the teacher's name and their Open House time. In addition, KMO teachers will contact families in early August to schedule a Home Visit before the start of the school year.

Do you have a child who turned 3 years old over the Summer? If so, please call to schedule a Play-Based Developmental Screening. Learn about your child's development, including a hearing & vision screening. This Free screening service is for all Parkway children 3-5 years old (not in Kindergarten). Call 314-415-6969 to schedule your child's annual screening or click here: 3 - 5 Play-Based Screening