Additional settings for Safari Browser.
Welcome to the Early Education Center
Welcome to Kearney Early Education Center
Where Kearney School District’s youngest Bulldogs take their first confident steps toward Kindergarten success.
Overview
Opened in August 2018, KEEC was purpose-built as an inclusive, high-engagement preschool hub that now serves families from pregnancy through Kindergarten entry across five signature programs: Early Childhood Special Education, Integrated Peer Preschool, 5-Day Pre-K, Parents as Teachers, and the employee-only Puppy Pound childcare center.
Under the leadership of Dr. Amy Baugh, Ed.D., KEEC has united what were once stand-alone services into one cohesive, child-centered system, strengthened by monthly coaching, cross-program collaboration and clear progress-monitoring goals. Internal assessments indicate that KEEC graduates enter kindergarten with strong early-literacy and numeracy foundations; DESE’s Kindergarten Entry Assessment confirms “On Track” readiness for the majority of alumni over the past five years.
KEEC By the Numbers
| Indicator | 2024-25 Snapshot | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Student–Staff Ratio | 4:1 | Small groups mean more language-rich, play-based interaction. |
| Capacity | 60 ECSE, 59 Puppy Pound, 25 Integrated Peers, 18 5-Day Pre-K | Scalable services for diverse learner needs. |
| Family Engagement | Nearly 1200 home visits & screenings through Parents as Teachers (2024) | Early partnerships boost later academic gains. |
| Staff Quality | Each blended classroom has one teacher and one paraprofessional, and our high needs classroom has a nearly 1:1 student-to-staff ratio | Ensures developmentally-appropriate instruction. |
Our Programs at a Glance
-
Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) – Individualized services for ages 3-5 with developmental delays; focus on independence and Kindergarten-readiness skills.
-
Integrated Peer Preschool – Blended classrooms where typically-developing peers model age-appropriate skills while building their own readiness—at no cost to families.
-
5-Day Pre-K – Full-week program for qualifying 4-year-olds, prioritizing children who meet state at-risk or income criteria.
-
Parents as Teachers (PAT) – Home-based coaching, developmental screenings and community events from pregnancy through age 5.
-
Puppy Pound Employee Childcare – Reduced-cost option for KSD staff; low staff-to-child ratios and tight family-style culture.
KEEC Impact & Highlights
-
Inclusive Excellence – ECSE students learn alongside peers, accelerating social-emotional growth for all.
-
Ready-for-Kindergarten Results – KEEC alumni consistently meet or exceed district benchmarks in phonological awareness and number sense by the winter of Kindergarten.
-
Family Partnership Model – PAT’s 90% screening completion rate keeps parents at the center of the learning journey.
-
Outstanding Staff – KEEC teachers are frequent nominees in KSD’s annual Team Awards program, reflecting district-wide recognition of early-learning expertise.
Message from the Principal
Kearney Early Education Center welcomes you to a school community where every child is celebrated, supported, and inspired to grow. Our mission is to provide meaningful and engaging learning experiences in a nurturing environment where students and families feel valued.
Our vision—Building a love of learning on a foundation of discovery—guides everything we do. From the moment your child walks through our doors, we strive to spark their natural curiosity and creativity through hands-on learning, purposeful play, and intentional instruction. Whether exploring new ideas, building friendships, overcoming challenges, or celebrating achievements, we are committed to helping children develop the skills and confidence they need for lifelong learning.
Families are essential partners in our work, and we deeply value the relationships we build together. Your insights, involvement, and support help us create a school environment where every child feels safe, loved, and ready to learn.
Warmest regards,
Dr. Amy Baugh
Principal