Refugee families in the Miami Valley area can now enroll their children in a specialized preschool program at the Montgomery County Educational Services Center (MCESC). The Newcomer classroom is designed to cater to the unique needs of children from refugee backgrounds.
Nathan Warner, principal of the early childhood program at MCESC, stated, “We recognize the presence of numerous refugee families in our community and understand the lack of preschool programs tailored to their children.” The existing preschool at MCESC already serves students with significant disabilities or those who are deaf. The staff is trained to work with students who have high needs, and the school ensures that no preschool student is turned away.
Funding for the Newcomer program comes from a combination of grants totaling approximately $700,000, provided by the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services (ODJFS). Refugees enrolling in the program hail from diverse backgrounds, including Ukraine, various Arab countries, and several African nations.
The region’s schools have experienced a rise in students who are non-English speakers, leading to an increased demand for English as a Second Language (ESL) teachers. The International Learning Center, in partnership with MCESC, supports older children who are learning English, particularly in rural districts that may have limited resources for English language learners.
Research indicates that attending preschool can significantly benefit low-income students by closing educational gaps and improving their chances of high school graduation. High-quality preschool education has been shown to have a positive impact on wage gaps later in life.
School districts like Dayton Public and Trotwood offer universal preschool programs for their students. Warner emphasized the importance of early childhood education, noting that 90% of brain development occurs by age 5, which is when children typically start kindergarten. Early intervention can help children develop essential skills such as language, motor, emotional capabilities, and impulse control.
The Newcomer program is currently in the enrollment phase. Julie Emmons, a seasoned preschool teacher and the Newcomer classroom teacher, is actively promoting the program in the community. MCESC is collaborating with Catholic Social Services, the Dayton Metro Library, and Preschool Promise to raise awareness about the program. Catholic Social Services often assists in settling new refugees in the area.
Emmons acknowledges that it may be a challenge for parents to adjust to having their children in school for six hours a day. However, once families express interest, Emmons and her assistant teacher, Sherri Bolden, plan to involve parents in the classroom experience. The preschool already incorporates practices such as allowing children to bring pictures of loved ones to school for comfort during overwhelming moments, a strategy Emmons intends to continue.
Both Emmons and Warner are committed to adapting and learning as they implement the program, with Emmons viewing it as an opportunity for personal and professional growth. She said, “It’s growth for me as an educator. Our role is to provide a safety net for these children.”