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Rapid City, SD – A growing early education program in Rapid City Area Schools is focusing on preparing young students for long term success by addressing academic skills and developmental needs before they enter traditional kindergarten.

Jennifer Macziewski, a junior kindergarten teacher at Valley View Elementary and a recent Teacher of the Year finalist, said the program is designed to support the “whole child,” taking into account literacy, math, motor skills and maturity when determining placement for students. She said families are involved throughout the process, and placement is based on multiple factors rather than age alone.

Macziewski said the program is not intended to repeat kindergarten, but instead offers a separate experience with a different curriculum to better meet students where they are developmentally. She emphasized that students in junior kindergarten still have access to the same resources as traditional kindergarten students, including special education services and counseling, and are not missing out on opportunities.

The program, which is in its second year after launching as a pilot, has already generated increased interest from families across the district. School officials say some parents have reached out for more information, even when the program is not available at their neighborhood school, showing growing awareness and demand.

Macziewski said expanding awareness is important, noting that increased interest from families can help drive conversations about bringing the program to more schools. She said demonstrating a need through participation and engagement can influence future decisions about expansion.

Educators say early intervention is a key benefit of the program, particularly when it comes to addressing behavioral and developmental needs. Macziewski said providing support at a younger age can help reduce challenges later in a student’s academic career and create a stronger foundation for learning.

School leaders also point to broader challenges facing educators, including student behavior and workload demands. Macziewski said teachers are working to balance increasing expectations while advocating for additional support, including planning time and thoughtful decision making from leadership that considers how changes affect classrooms.

She said improving teacher support ultimately benefits students, noting that efforts to strengthen the work environment for educators can have a direct impact on student outcomes.

Macziewski said public education remains essential to the future of the community, adding that without strong schools, “our world would fall apart,” and emphasizing the importance of continuing to improve and invest in education for future generations.