CHATFIELD, Minn.-Playing is key to a child’s development as it helps them learn and grow. Chatfield Community Education invited families with young kids to the Chatfield Preschool to teach them more about the power of play.
The preschool serves 74 students, many who transition into the districts elementary school. Kids at the event enjoyed activities from climbing and building to painting.
Chatfield Community Education director LuAnn Klevan said, “Play is probably one of the most important things. I don’t care if you’re trying to academics like letters and numbers or your trying to teach social-emotional, with young children the way to teach it is through play, let them play, give them the lead to see where they’re going. Through play they learn how to solve problems, they find ways to be creative, they learn to play with each other and work together as a team.”
The day was also about teaching parents how play helps kids develop essential skills for when they move into the classroom and beyond. Early childhood education however, doesn’t start in the classroom.
Klevan said, “Early childhood education actually starts in their own homes, we try to give them some things, encourage them to let their kids play, encourage them to get involved with community events but the education piece itself is an important step into kindergarten.”
The school also does early childhood screening to see what support services children need and where they’re at in development so families can be prepared for any issues that may arise.