New Salinas preschool takes a science-based approach

SALINAS >> Enrollment is now open for the first cohort of toddlers to learn at the Discovery Academy, a preschool focusing on science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics (STEAM) in Salinas.

The Discovery Academy, a new program through the Monterey County Office of Education’s Early Learning Program, provides low-income families with a well-rounded start to education for their children who are 2 through 5 years old. Recently built on Hartnell College’s East Campus, parents can now apply to enroll their children in the academy for the fall.

By getting kids engaged with the STEAM field early in their education, “it’s igniting their curiosity,” said Deneen Guss, Monterey County’s schools superintendent. “You’re building curiosity and excitement for STEAM and if you get (students) really excited about that early on, they’re more likely to be interested in one of those fields later on.”

The academy was funded with a federal Head Start grant as well as funds from the Early Learning Program. Hartnell College also contributed to the academy’s construction. The academy will serve around 80 students taught within four classrooms with 12 staff members.

 

The pre-school consists of four classrooms, each with an emphasis on science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics. (Courtesy of Monterey County Office of Education)

Discovery Academy students will learn through inquiry and experience-based learning, said Program Director Sonia Jaramillo. “STEAM is at the center of everything,” said Jaramillo.

Based on county education data, “we see a need for more sciences for children as it helps students develop a higher level of vocabulary so they’ll be better prepared to transition to kindergarten,” said Jaramillo.

Along with an emphasis on the sciences, students will have access to music teachers, folkloric dance instruction, astronomy and an introduction into the local community through education about local produce and experience planting their own seeds.

“Our families benefit because their kids are going to be learning at a different level and receiving quality education,” said Jaramillo. Through the Early Learning Program and its various community resources, families within the Discovery Academy also receive extra resources and support.

“When we enroll a child, we enroll a family. We take care of the family because if the parents are OK, our students are going to be OK,” said Jaramillo.

The Early Learning Program currently has 34 classrooms across Monterey County, all with an emphasis on science and comprehensive services based on individual need, according to Jaramillo.

While the Early Learning Program is geared toward low-income families, there is also opportunity for other families above the poverty line to enroll their children, as long as the needs of low-income families are met first. There is also space for students with special needs, regardless of income requirements.

“We have a responsibility to serve and search for youngsters who have special needs,” said Guss.

An important aspect of the Discovery Academy is its inclusive elements. The academy highlights bilingual learning, with many of its teachers being fluent in Spanish.

The Discovery Academy offers a bilingual education, with many of its instructors being fluent in Spanish to meet student needs. (Courtesy of Monterey County Office of Education)

By having instructors who are able to teach in both English and Spanish, students will be better able to focus on their learning and have an “extra level of comfort they need knowing there’s someone who knows their language,” said Jaramillo.

Students also have access to counselors and nutritionists to take care of their mental and physical health while students focus on the STEAM curriculum.

With Hartnell College having space for the building, “everything came together to meet the needs of our community and help students prepare for high demand in schools and meet state standards,” she said.

The placement of the academy is also strategic, as students at the Hartnell College East Campus can enroll their children in the Discovery Academy while the parents are in class, according to Guss.

“(Students) are there to discover, learn and use their imagination,” said Jaramillo. “Our goal is to prepare them and give them a strong foundation to be on the same level as their peers.”

More information about enrollment and eligibility can be found at https://www.montereycoe.org/divisions-services/early-learning-program/enrollment-eligibility.