ROCHESTER, Minn. (KTTC) – Lake City Community Education has received a $50,000 grant this July to launch a new initiative. On Monday, the school announced that the grant will fund a new position titled ‘Social Emotional Support Coach.’ This role is aimed at enhancing social and emotional learning for elementary students.
The program will cater specifically to preschoolers aged three and four. Alongside the new role, a tailored curriculum will be introduced. According to the Community Educational Director, the curriculum will feature both group lessons and individualized support.
Mary Schumacher, who has over 30 years of experience in early education, has been appointed to the new position.
Ashley Harkins, a parent of a preschooler, expressed her support for the initiative. “I think it’s very important because for many kids, this is their first experience interacting with others and learning skills like sharing,” Harkins said.
Amanda Kvasnicka, the Community Educational Director, explained that the coach’s role involves teaching young children how to manage their emotions in social situations. The coach will use a specialized classroom to provide small group discussions and individual support, with parental consent.
Kvasnicka noted that this grant was sought in response to parents’ requests for solutions to emotional learning challenges faced by preschoolers. “Kids are struggling with sharing and calming themselves in difficult situations,” Kvasnicka said.
The grant was provided by the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation, through the Otto Bremer Trust and its Community Responsive Fund.
School officials hope the program will continue in Lake City in the coming years.