This article was written for the February edition of the Community Compass newsletter.
Some of the youngest learners in our community are excited to become Cardinals after learning about MCPASD’s 4K program during the first Future Cardinals event on Feb. 24.
“I’m excited to play with friends and learn letters and numbers,” said Alahna, a four-year-old future 4K student.
The Early Learning Center in Middleton welcomed more than a dozen children and their families during the event to highlight MCPASD’s 4K offerings. District leaders as well as 4K teachers, paraeducators, and interventionists answered questions about the program’s play-based curriculum and how it nurtures students’ academic and social-emotional growth.
4K/Early Childhood Principal Katie Kavanaugh also shared a presentation on what a typical day of learning and play looks like for students. The schedule includes small group learning activities, a mini lesson, outdoor play time, and circle time – where students enjoy music and reading and practice their language and literacy skills.
“I’m excited to do circle time with friends,” said Kinsley, a three-year-old future 4K student.
Community partners including Middleton Parks and Recreation, the Middleton and Rosemary Garfoot Public Libraries, Children’s Wisconsin, the Dane County Department of Human Services, Madison Reading Project and more were also on site to greet families. They shared how their organizations work closely with MCPASD to support children before, during, and after the 4K stages.
In addition to the Half-Day 4K Program with morning and afternoon sessions, MCPASD is launching a new Full-Day 4K Pilot Program at Northside Elementary School in the 2026-27 school year for families in the Northside and Sauk Trail attendance areas! Registration for both programs is open now. Families are encouraged to register by March 1, 2026, to be included in placement and the Full-Day lottery.