Joplin Schools’ newest preschool program expansion, Little Eagles Flight School, is celebrating a fantastic first quarter of immersive early learning.
The pilot year for three Flight School classes kicked off in August 2024 with all-day, in-school classrooms opening at Irving Elementary, Royal Heights Elementary, and Soaring Heights Elementary. A fourth all-day Flight School classroom was also added at Joplin Early Childhood to expand that facility’s previous program offerings of half-day classes alone.
Preschool classrooms in neighborhood elementary buildings were added specifically to address barriers to quality, affordable early learning programs that are experienced by many Joplin Schools families. Dr. Jordan Dickey, Joplin Schools Executive Director of Student Services, said the district utilized data from local and state agencies alongside feedback from area families to understand the need before deciding to open the Flight School classrooms, which were made possible through funding from Missouri’s Preschool Startup Grant.
“We knew demand was high for more accessible early learning programs in Joplin, but we had no idea how many families were scrambling to find affordable preschool for their children until we opened up Flight School registration to the community,” said Dr. Dickey. “Enrollment filled up within just a few days.”Four-year-olds in Flight School classrooms are learning how to be part of a regular school day while being exposed to an early learning curriculum that is rooted in motion, play, social skills, self control, and early literacy and numeracy skills.
Amanda Pal teaches a Flight School class at Soaring Heights Elementary, and noted the impacts she’s already seeing in her students so far this year.
“They are learning so many skills that are very necessary in kindergarten; fine and gross motor strength, an ability to problem-solve, effective communication with peers and teachers, and self regulating their emotions. We are working to make their foundations as strong as possible so they can build more great skills in the years to come,” said Pal. “They have become much more independent in the last few weeks and they now persevere when they are learning new skills. They are using their problem solving skills in the classroom and on the playground without adult intervention.”
Misty Clark, Flight School teacher at Irving Elementary, said the class is making a big difference for parents and students alike.
“My families are able to drop off and pick up their preschool child with their siblings at the same building which is very convenient,” said Clark. “A full day preschool program opens up opportunities for children who are not able to attend half-day programs because of their parents’ jobs.”
Clark is also excited about her students’ progress so far this year.
“My students are already excelling at hallway procedures. They are able to carry their own lunch trays and eat in the cafeteria,” Clark said. “Having a preschool class inside an elementary school is going to make Kindergarten transition very successful for my students. They’ll be used to attending for a full day, and they are already familiar with the building, principals, specials teachers, and Kindergarten teachers.”
The district expects to offer in-elementary Flight School classes again for the 25-26 academic year. Pre-registration details will be released near February 2025. For more information, please contact Joplin Early Childhood at 417-625-5275.
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