<body><div><figure><img src="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&amp;url=43vNJG_1FKufFC500" alt="https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=43vNJG_1FKufFC500" width="1759" height="1178" ><figcaption>Photo by Alexandra Retter Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz visits WAPS’ early childhood programs last week.</figcaption></figure>Winona Area Public Schools (WAPS) staff and students welcomed Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz for a visit at Goodview Elementary School last week, highlighting early childhood education programs. WAPS staff said they were excited to witness his interest in early childhood education and hope state leaders keep investing in these programs. Early Childhood Special Education Coordinator and Instructional Coach Angie Lepsch and Community Education Director Ann Riebel agreed they were honored that Walz took the time to stop by, drawing rainbows with kindergarteners and speaking with families of toddlers about what they take away from the programs. Lepsch said, “I’m just so passionate about early childhood in general and special education, so for him to be able to see our programs is just so meaningful. This is where it starts, where education starts.” Riebel similarly said, “It’s also really good that people at that level are interested in early childhood, because that is where a good investment in your community can be put that’s going to give you a really big turnaround in your time, your funds, your energy, because kids can benefit from that early opportunity." One highlight of WAPS’ programs that staff wanted to show was its collaboration with groups outside the district. WAPS early childhood staff make a point of connecting with other organizations in town to provide services, Lepsch and Riebel said, from Winona Health to the Winona Family YMCA and child care centers. Representatives from the district and other community groups typically meet monthly to discuss their programs and figure out how to share their resources with families, Lepsch said. “I think in early childhood, it’s not so much a competition; it’s all of us wanting to give parents the resources they really need,” she said. Riebel echoed this, saying, “… All of us care about young children. When we work together, it’s comprehensive, and it doesn't have us in silos as much.” This type of community partnership has been in place for many a year, Riebel said. “… When we come together, it really makes it feel like this is a good place for young families to be. So that's something to be proud of. And I want other people in the state to see a smaller community like Winona can do just as great a job as one of the big metro areas can — maybe even better, because we can get to know each other.”&nbsp;Staff recognized there are still areas for growth, as well. Riebel said the district is working to help families of children with more substantial needs find programs and services that meet their needs, and she and Lepsch acknowledged that early childhood programs can be expensive for families to take part in. Lepsch said additional state funding for preschool would be helpful, for instance. While working through those challenges, Lepsch said she hopes Walz saw staff members' passion for their work and how they enjoy interacting with students and families. “And … we want [families] to be a part of our schools and want to involve them early, as early as we can … to make sure they have just a positive outlook on education,” she said. </div></body>

Block Source: winonapost.com

Misinformation

Clickbait

Old or repetitive news

Explicit content

Location not relevant

Winona Area Public Schools (WAPS) staff and students welcomed Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz for a visit at Goodview Elementary School last week, highlighting early childhood education programs. WAPS staff said they were excited to witness his interest in early childhood education and hope state leaders keep investing in these programs.

Walz tours WAPS early childhood programs

NewsBreak

Winona Area Public Schools (WAPS) staff and students welcomed Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz for a visit at Goodview Elementary School last week, highlighting ear

Walz tours WAPS early childhood programs

Comments / 4