Big news for little learners! 🥳 Woodville just unveiled its brand new preschool, a game-changer for early childhood education and community support. From cutting-edge classrooms to a ‘Kindness Tree,’ this facility is set to shape young minds. What exciting possibilities will these new doors open for our children?
The Woodville community recently marked a significant milestone with the grand opening of its new state-of-the-art preschool facility, a testament to dedicated efforts in advancing early childhood development and preschool education. The ribbon-cutting ceremony, held on a bustling Thursday afternoon, drew together a host of local dignitaries, school board members, administrators, and enthusiastic teachers, all eager to celebrate this pivotal addition to the district’s educational facilities and its potential for fostering student well-being.
Woodville School Superintendent Lou Saephan led the celebratory proceedings, extending a warm welcome and profound gratitude to all attendees. His remarks underscored the immense support from the district and the broader Woodville community, emphasizing the collective spirit that brought this ambitious project to fruition. The event highlighted the collaborative vision aiming to enrich the lives of young learners and their families through enhanced educational opportunities, reflecting a strong commitment to community engagement.
Superintendent Saephan passionately spoke about the unwavering dedication and profound care exhibited by the preschool staff. He lauded their commitment to consistently exceeding expectations in providing a nurturing environment for children and their families, reiterating the numerous benefits that such a robust preschool education program offers to the burgeoning minds within the district. This focus on comprehensive support is a cornerstone of the new facility’s mission.
Further insights into the program’s impact were provided by Dr. Alex Elliott, the Tulare County Office of Education Early Childhood Education Administrator. Dr. Elliott elaborated on the expansive advantages of the Head Start preschool program, emphasizing its holistic approach that extends beyond basic meals and academic instruction. She highlighted its crucial role in nurturing the intellectual, emotional, and social growth of children, while also providing vital support systems for their families and contributing significantly to overall community development.
Echoing the sentiments of partnership and progress, Eric Sonnenfeld, Assistant Administrator at the TCOE, expressed immense satisfaction with the collaboration between the TCOE and the Woodville District. He proudly noted that the Woodville District successfully secured crucial funding for a transitional kindergarten and preschool expansion, which directly facilitated the construction of these “wonderful buildings.” This successful funding initiative underscores a proactive approach to enhancing local educational facilities.
Following the formal addresses, guests embarked on an insightful tour of the newly completed complex. The tour showcased two spacious, bright preschool classrooms, each boasting large cubby areas for children and equipped with cutting-edge technology, including advanced electronic blue boards. Outside, a meticulously fenced grass playground with modern equipment promised ample opportunities for play and physical development, much to the delight and enthusiasm of the teaching staff, who envision a dynamic learning environment.
Currently serving 15 children from the Woodville and Tulare areas, the preschool is actively accepting applications for an additional 20 three-to-four-year-olds, emphasizing its open enrollment policy. This two-year program is meticulously designed to prepare children effectively for kindergarten, ensuring a smooth transition and a strong foundation for future academic success. The commitment to widespread accessibility underpins its dedication to broad student well-being.
The dedicated team of TCOE preschool teachers, many of whom began in April 2025, are eagerly anticipating their first full academic year in the new building. These experienced educators bring a wealth of prior expertise from various local preschools across the county. Evelia Zavala Otero, a teacher in room number 26, expressed her profound excitement about being part of the Woodville Preschool, reflecting on her extensive career that began at the Woodville Labor Camp in 2002.
In room 27, teacher Grecia Nunez integrates innovative teaching methodologies, including a unique “Kindness Tree.” This engaging tool motivates children throughout the day by rewarding positive behaviors with pink paper hearts for actions like attentive listening, sharing, using thoughtful voices, gentle hands, walking feet, and demonstrating respectful communication. Such creative approaches underscore the preschool’s commitment to holistic child development and positive behavioral reinforcement within its learning environment.
