MCSF provides grant to Early Childhood Special Education classroom

submitted by Theresa Herron, Manchester Community Schools Foundation

Recently, the Manchester Community Schools Foundation (MCSF) was able to provide a grant to Kristen Hancock, the Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) classroom teacher. The ECSE program is housed at Klager Elementary School, in the preschool wing, now called the Manchester Early Childhood Center. Mrs. Hancock has taught in preschool and early elementary for 15 years in Manchester, and she came across a curriculum that seemed perfect for her students. 

“The Get Set for School program was created by Learning Without Tears,” Hancock says. “It is designed for students to help get them ready for school, by focusing on Language & Literacy, Numbers & Math, Readiness & Writing, Oral Language, Science & Social Studies, Sensory Motor & Social-Emotional skills. I really like that it is research-based, and was created by an Occupational Therapist. The multi-sensory approach means it is engaging and interactive for all students.”

As seen in the photos, students use manipulatives like curved and straight wooden pieces to build “Mat Man,” but also letters. They also spend time building the letters with dough, writing them with chalk, and seeing how they go together into words. 

The MCSF is proud to support programs like the ECSE classroom. We hold several events as fundraisers throughout the year, along with an annual patron drive. Please consider joining the MCSF as a patron or a trustee volunteer, to help us bring new and innovative programs and materials to classrooms and staff here at MCS! For more information please contact MCSF Trustee Theresa Herron at therron@mcs.k12.mi.us, or visit our page on the MCS website at manchesterschools.org (scroll down on the main page). We appreciate your support.

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and founder of the Manchester Mirror.