Early childhood symposium shines spotlight on ECISD programs

For three days, Odessa played host the Texas Association of Administrators and Supervisors of Programs for Young Children (TAASPYC). More simply, the leading organization when it comes to supporting early childhood development leaders in the state. ECISD’s Director of Childhood Education Beatris Mata is a TAASPYC board member and played a key role in planning and executing the event in Odessa.

"Hosting the TAASPYC symposium in Odessa represents our deep commitment to early childhood education,” said Mata. “We were proud to showcase the innovative approaches we've implemented and to learn from other leaders across Texas.”

The group of about 130 people from across Texas got a tour of the city, a full day of keynote speakers and 26 breakout sessions, then concluded the conference with a leadership panel and an in-person look at ECISD’s innovative partnership with the Odessa Family YMCA by visiting the Y’s prekindergarten campus and Lamar Early Education Center.

“The past couple of days have been just exceptional,” said Heather Hennesey, TAASPYC Treasurer and Past President adding the community had been extremely welcoming.

Hennesey also complimented the work she observed during the two site visits. “I follow Ector County ISD on LinkedIn,” she said. “I knew Ector County ISD was innovative, so I knew it was going to be good.

“[Lamar EEC] might be the most beautiful classroom culture I have ever seen. The culture of the adults in that building; incredible intentionality and incredible leadership,” she said, adding, “The YMCA is like an oasis, it’s this beautiful, clean, bright, welcoming place. In both of them, it was evident, they’re doing what’s best for kids and in doing so they’ve done these great things for adults, too.”

The partnership with the YMCA was established according to the parameters of Senate Bill 1882 and created a half-day prekindergarten experience for three-year-olds. The partnership began in the 2021-22 school year, one year after ECISD expanded its four-year-old pre-k program to a full-day. The intentional focus on prekindergarten has paid dividends: ECISD PreK Readiness grew from 33% (Fall 2020) to 54% (Fall 2023). Sixty-six percent of students who attended ECISD PreK tested kindergarten ready. Prekindergarten enrollment has increased from 650 to about 1,700 students and ECISD has formed an Early Childhood Department.

Cecilia Serna is the Early Childhood Coordinator for Ysleta ISD in El Paso, a 32-year early ed veteran. Knowing the commitment ECISD has made to early childhood education she said she expected to see good implementation when she visited the schools. “I love the classroom environment. I love the school environment. I love how welcoming the school was. Very student-centered,” she said.

She added, “Successful early [education] years will really help a child blossom and grow. It is the foundation for all learning.”

Ages 0-5 are the most critical time for brain development with about 90% taking place during that period. Some of the ways high quality Pre-K benefits children when they enter kindergarten:

·         Can sing or say the alphabet

·         Identify numbers out of sequences

·         Know the difference between uppercase and lowercase letters

·         Learn and work on their fine motor skills (coloring, using scissors, etc.)

·         Social development and intelligence of working and playing with others

·         Learn how to listen to a teacher and follow instructions

“The energy and expertise present during these three days reinforces why early childhood education must remain a priority,” Mata said. “When we invest in our youngest learners, we're investing in the future of our entire community."

A sentiment echoed by Hennesey. “If we have these little people that we teach to talk and we make eye contact and learn social skills, we start developing these really wonderful human beings.”

Early childhood education and literacy are priorities for our school district and our region, being organizational goals for both the Education Partnership of the Permian Basin, the Education Foundation of Odessa, and Head Start.