News Tiny Vikes teachers see reasons every day to continue preschool funding

     While Vinton-Shellsburg Superintendent Mary Jo Hainstock and the focus group of local volunteers begins to plan ways to advocate for the Tiny Vikes Preschool, the teachers there say they see on a daily basis the reasons the state should continue funding the program.

     “Every kid in here as developed socially,” said Nicole Lutz, one of three Tiny Vikes teachers at Tilford Elementary.

     Preschool is important, Lutz said on Thursday morning, because of the social and academic skills the children learn. The teachers are able to work with the children individually to help them with their next step in learning.

     “During our center time, we can help those who need to learn their colors, and those who know their letters, we can work with them on their letter sounds,” said Lutz.

     But, she adds, the social development is the most important part of preschool. Children learn how to work together, with the teachers giving them instructions and setting an example.  Already, she said, after three months of preschool, every student is more socially active and more independent.

       On Thursday, the students enjoyed a holiday favorite – Gingerbread Man cookies.

     “We have been studying the different versions of the Gingerbread Man story,” said Lutz. The students decorated the cookies before eating them – along with pickles – during snack time.

Preschool History and Future

     In May of 2009, Vinton-Shellsburg administrators celebrated the district’s opportunity to serve as one of the first pilot preschools in a program initiated by Gov. Chet Culver. A survey of the community regarding preschool needs was an important part of the process. The program began in the fall of 2009.

     But Governor-Elect Terry Branstad has targeted the state-funded preschool as one of the areas in which he would like to cut spending.

     A focus group of volunteers met with Hainstock on Tuesday to begin discussing ways to advocate for the Tiny Vikes.

     “It’s still up in the air,” said Lutz.