To our Salida Schools Community,
The Salida Early Childhood Center (SECC) recently shared its Annual Report with the Salida School Board of Education, highlighting our team’s crucial work in our community and outlining our vision for the future. As a vital resource for young children and families, the SECC uses a layered funding model, drawing support from Federally funded Head Start and Early Head Start, State Universal PreK, Special Education, and the Salida School District, to serve children from prenatal to kindergarten entry, with a particular focus on our community’s most vulnerable children and the District's workforce.
In past years, and in the wake of COVID, the program faced significant challenges, including teacher burnout, staffing shortages, and an increase in negative child behaviors. The SECC has effectively implemented program-wide changes to address these issues.
To begin, the Salida School Board approved a proposal to pay all SECC lead teachers according to the Certified District Salary Schedule. This decision to compensate early childhood teachers including those who work with toddlers at the same level as K-12 teachers is a rarity in Colorado and across the country, with only a few other programs adopting a similar approach. This policy significantly aids in retaining high-quality educators.
Another key initiative has been the adoption and implementation of Conscious Discipline, a social-emotional program focused on problem-solving and fostering a "School Family" environment. This adult-first model addresses fundamental needs such as safety, love, and learning, thereby building attachment and self-regulation in both adults and children.
SECC's third strategy was implementing a play-based learning approach across all programs. This approach is supported by extensive research demonstrating play's crucial role in fostering essential skills for human development and academic success, including curiosity, critical thinking, social skills, self-regulation, and problem-solving. Beyond its certified teachers and educational focus in the classrooms, the center utilizes a whole-child approach, offering family support, health services, and community engagement. Additionally, the center partners with Salida High School, Colorado Mountain College and the Early Childhood Council to expand the local early childhood workforce.
Looking ahead, the SECC's future plans include supporting teacher-led teams, aligning preschool standards with play, providing evidence-based family education, and building capacity for bilingual children and families. Our overarching vision is to empower children to embrace the inherent joy of childhood and realize their full potential through play, fostering curiosity and a lifelong love of learning.
The Salida Early Childhood Center is an invaluable asset to our District, the community, and beyond as research indicates that 90% of a child’s brain is developed by the time they go to kindergarten. Our amazing team is committed to providing foundational support for our District’s youngest learners and their families. It is an honor to be a part of the SECC team and the Salida School District’s commitment to improving the lives of young children and their families in our community.
If you are in need of support for your family or would like to know how you can be involved in supporting our program, please visit the Salida Schools website, call (719) 530-5362, or stop by and visit us at 516 Teller Street in Salida.
In Gratitude,
Theresa Gilson, SECC Principal