Fishback Center Kindergarten Classroom

Fishback Center for Early Childhood Education

Play, Learn and Interact

In conjunction with the Early Childhood Education Program, the Fishback Center for Early Childhood Education's classrooms are led by ³ÉÈËÊÓƵ faculty, who not only teach children, but also support and mentor college students while they gain hands-on experience in teaching. One of the components to our program is the observation booths where families and ³ÉÈËÊÓƵ students can observe and learn from children engaging in activities in an unobtrusive manner.

Enrollment
Services Provided
A student teacher and a child playing with trucks in the sandbox.
Toddler Program

Our Younger Toddler Program is held two mornings a week and has 10 toddlers enrolled. Our Older Toddler Program is held two mornings a week and has 12 toddlers enrolled.
Child playing with blocks.
Preschool Program

Our 3 and 4 Year Old Programs are held four mornings or four afternoons a week and has 17 preschoolers enrolled in each program. Our 4 and 5 Year Old Programs are held four mornings or four afternoons a week and has 19 preschoolers enrolled in each program.
A child hanging on a rope swing at the Fishback Education Center
Kindergarten Program

Our Kindergarten Program is held five days a week (Mondays through Fridays) and has 22 kindergarteners enrolled. It is a collaboration with the Brookings School District.
A student teacher and child playing with a musical instrument outside.
Out of School Time Program

Our Out of School Time (OST) Program is available for kindergarteners enrolled in the ³ÉÈËÊÓƵ Kindergarten Program. The capacity is the same as the ³ÉÈËÊÓƵ Kindergarten Program.
I have three in the program.... I tell everyone all the time. I'm so thankful my children go there.
Ali M., Parent
baby icon
116 childern
Icon of a teacher in front of a chalkboard
60 early childhood education majors work as teachers
Icon of an hourglass
15 months-6 years old age range
Two young children playing on a spinning wheel.
Icon of a plant sprout
Support
Giving

The Fishback Center welcomes donations and contributions. Besides monetary gifts, you can support our scholarship program by turning in your Hy-Vee receipts at the collection box of the front entrance. For every $150,000 of collected receipts, the center receives $1,000 for children's scholarships.

Other Ways to Give
Student and instructor sit in circle looking at classroom examples.
Icon of a judicial building
Student Teachers
Teacher Education

The program is in conjunction with the Early Childhood Education Program at ³ÉÈËÊÓƵ. The classrooms are led by ³ÉÈËÊÓƵ faculty, who not only teach children, but also support and mentor college students while they gain hands-on experience in teaching.

Teacher Education
Student Teacher Requirements
Children writing
chart bar icon
Learning and Discovery
Research
University researchers should see the laboratory school as an unique opportunity for learning and discovery and a place of research. Research investigators may use our site to conduct studies, either independently, in collaboration with other ECE faculty or affiliated faculty with the center.

If you are interested in conducting research at the Fishback Center for ECE, you will need to submit a proposal to the Fishback Center Research Council, to ensure that the research project is aligned with our center philosophies, policies and is developmentally appropriate for children before approval will be granted.

Contact Kay Cutler by email or at 605-688-6797 for more information.
Email Kay Cutler
Testimonial

Our family believes the center’s focus on relationships and inquiry-based practices has given our children the best academic and personal growth opportunities. The teachers understand the importance of relationship-building with children, parents, and the community to provide excellence in childhood education. The relaxed atmosphere of the center, coupled with the warmth and accessibility of teachers, enables parents to connect with teachers easily. The teachers listen to children and parents to provide the best experience. The teachers’ strong connection with the community and professional childhood experiences enables them to share opportunities and resources that can provide growth to children outside of the classroom. The center’s philosophy values adaptability to the different needs of children and providing accommodations so all children can reach their potential. We love that mentor teachers stay informed on the latest scientific-based research in childhood development and teaching methods and pursue professional development opportunities to provide excellence in childhood education.

~Matthew and Lisa Elliott