Big trucks, little learners, and a community helping young imaginations grow!
On Thursday, October 8th, USD 265 Parents as Teachers (PAT), in collaboration with the USD 265 Early Learning team, welcomed families to the Discovery Intermediate School parking lot for a new Touch-a-Truck event specifically designed to meet our youngest learners right where they are. All families participating in Parents as Teachers and Goddard Pre-K (3 & 4-year-old) programs were invited to attend, bringing the early learning community together for an evening of discovery and connection.
The Sedgwick County Fire Department, local businesses, Goddard Public Library, USD 265 Transportation staff, and members of the armed forces came together to introduce participants to the vehicles and people who serve others every day. For children discovering the world around them, each introduction offered a chance to imagine what they might grow up to be. Many early learning staff members also attended, exploring alongside children, connecting with parents, and strengthening relationships with the families they serve.
“I’m proud of our Parents as Teachers team for the care and effort they put into bringing this evening together,” said Scott May, Executive Director of Early Learning & Student Services. “Our community partners gave their time to help children explore, ask questions, and dream big. Seeing families and community members come together reminds us how much we can do for our youngest learners when we work together.”
That support begins long before a child’s first day of kindergarten. The USD 265 no-cost Parents as Teachers program serves district families from pregnancy through kindergarten entry, helping parents support their children’s learning and development through personal visits, developmental screenings, play groups, and connections to community resources. By partnering with the Pre-K team for events like Touch-a-Truck, PAT helps families build connections across our early learning programs and develop a sense of belonging within Goddard Public Schools.
“We’re so grateful to the families who joined us and to everyone who helped make them feel welcome,” said Charity Warden, Parents as Teachers Coordinator. “We want to support each child’s development, and we also want parents to feel connected and supported. These events give families time to get to know one another, build friendships, and develop relationships they can turn to as their children grow. That sense of belonging matters for the whole family.”
Interested in learning more or signing up for Parents as Teachers? Contact PAT Coordinator Charity Warden at 316-794-4057 or cwarden@goddardusd.com, or visit the Goddard Public Schools Parents as Teachers website at https://www.goddardusd.com/page/parents-as-teachers-pat/ explore the program and complete an enrollment form.
Thank you to the USD 265 PAT and Pre-K teams, early learning staff, and every community partner who helps the youngest members of our #265Family dream big every day!