On Thursday, Bearkatz Academy received recognition as the first model STEM preschool in Arkansas! Throughout the year, preschool director Romona Haney, members of the Northcentral Education Service Center and Bearkatz Academy staff worked closely with the Division of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) to develop a rubric for STEM education in preschools, as one did not exist for preschools.
Preschool education is an essential educational step that covers the period from birth to primary school, shapes the future of children, and completes their social, emotional, mental, and physical development to a great extent. The passion and dedication Bearkatz Academy teachers and staff drove the success of the program.
Haney said, “Without our teachers and their passion for STEM education this would not have been possible. They know how important and natural STEM education is because of early learners’ natural curiosity and I could not be more proud of and for our kids and the school.”