Early Childhood (Preschool)

Purpose
Preschool is a time of discovery; children discover themselves, the people around them, and their world. They learn to get along with other children, with parents, with preschool teachers, and in new situations. Preschoolers’ constant questions and activities stem from their intense desire to learn more about the world around them. Preschool is a time to capture their extraordinary imagination and their sincere desire to learn.

Mission
Our mission is to strengthen and build upon existing services and resources to meet the wellness, education, and social-emotional needs of participating children to enhance their learning, development, and future success in school. We reach children by offering a wide variety of tools and materials for learning through hands-on experiences.

Goals
1. Provide a caring, open classroom for children to learn and play in. We want to encourage a love for learning.
2. Encourage creativity by providing a variety of materials. We have books, music, games, art materials, building toys, science manipulatives, and more.
3. Provide opportunities for children to develop and practice listening skills.
4. Provide a clean, safe environment

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ACGC PK 4
ECFE Coordinator

Phone: 320.244.4710
Email: Borchertl@acgcfalcons.org

Hello from Mrs. Lissa!

I am an Atwater Grove City Graduate and am excited to be working in my home district! After graduation, I attended St. Cloud State University and studied Early Childhood Education and Social Work.

I have been teaching preschool at ACGC for 21 years. I absolutely love getting your child ready for Kindergarten. Children learn and grow so much from the ages of 4 to 5. They learn through play and I enjoy making learning fun for them.

I live North of Grove City with my husband Mark and our youngest son, Carson, who is a Junior at ACGC. Our 2 older girls Miranda and Erica graduated from ACGC and from college. They both live and work in the cities.

In our free time we enjoy cheering on the ACGC Falcons and spending time with our family and friends. We have a pet dog and 3 cats.

Thank you for sharing your children with us at ACGC Preschool. It is truly an honor!

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ACGC PK 4

Phone: 320.244.4640
Email: GehrkeB@acgcfalcons.org

Hi, my name is Brenda Gehrke and this is my fourth year teaching at ACGC Elementary. I love teaching our littlest learners.  I grew up in Montevideo, MN and received my teaching degree from St. Cloud State University. I live in Spicer, MN with my husband, two daughters (Aleigha & KayAnna) and two dogs. Prior to moving to Spicer, my husband served in the United States Marine Corps for 21 years. This allowed me the opportunity to work in many different school settings around the country. I’m looking forward to spending many more years here at ACGC! 

KIRSTEN JOHNSON Preschool Teacher

ACGC PK 4

Phone: 320.244.4640
Email: JohnsonK@acgcfalcons.org

Hi, my name is Kirsten Johnson and I teach PreK4 at ACGC. I attended Willmar Senior High and went to St. Cloud State and Southwest Minnesota State. I live in Hawick with my husband, Chris. We have a guinea pig and chocolate lab dog named Oliver. When I’m not teaching you can find me decorating cakes at the New London bakery. I also enjoy camping, kayaking, being outdoors, and spending time with my family. Please reach out with any questions you may have!

Da

ACGC PK 3
ECFE

Phone: 320.244.4709
Email: Behmm@acgcfalcons.org

I have been teaching for ACGC Schools since December 1997.  I have taught mixed aged level preschool, ECFE, School Readiness 4’s and 3’s.  I graduated from Mankato State and received my Kindergarten endorsement and birth to school age licensure from Crown College.  Both my boys have attended ACGC schools  and have graduated or will by the end of this school year.  I have enjoyed working with these young children to begin their building blocks of their school foundation.  Play is an essential part of getting them the hands on learning experience to make them successful in all they do.

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Early Childhood Special Ed

Phone: 320.244.4640
Email: GaarderH@acgcfalcons.org

My name is Heather Gaarder and I am ACGC's Early Childhood Special Education Teacher! I provide special education services to our preschool age students.

I have been teaching special education since 2013 and have been at ACGC since 2019. I have a Master's Degree in Special Education and am licensed in the areas of Early Childhood Special Education, Autism Spectrum Disorders, Developmental Cognitive Disabilities, and Physical Impairments. 

I love working in early intervention and collaborating with families to help their children learn and grow!  

Late Start/Early Out Information

If ACGC Schools 2 hours late. AM Early Childhood starts at 10 am School Daycare opens at 8:30

If ACGC Schools 1 hour late. AM Early Childhood starts at 9 am School Daycare opens at 7:30

If school gets out early and is going to close before 2 pm, there will be no PM Early Childhood.

Parent Aware

Parent Aware helps families find the quality care and education their children need to succeed in school and life. Parent Aware is a search partner that works side-by-side with families, offering free tools and resources to help them make informed choices about high-quality care and education opportunities.

Help Me Grow (HELPMEGROWMN.ORG)

A referral through Help Me Grow as soon as developmental concerns are identified ensures the best outcomes possible.

If you feel that your little one is developing in ways that are concerning, such as difficulty walking by 18 months; no babbling, pointing or other gestures by 12 months (1 year); no single words by 16 months; no two-word phrases by 24 months (2 years) or ANY loss of skills at any age, visit this website to request a free developmental screening or evaluation for Minnesota’s no-cost infant and toddler intervention services. HelpMeGrow - Get Help