Alyssa Harris smiled as she handed plastic coins to one of her preschool students this fall as he played with a toy cash register.

Forward-thinking investments by Lincoln Public Schools patrons have made many educational scenes like that a reality at Roper Elementary School and Arnold Elementary School. Early childhood students at both sites are enjoying the benefits of the 2020 bond issue during all of their lessons. LPS opened two extra preschool classrooms at Arnold and two additional spaces at Roper to serve more Lincoln students.

Harris, who teaches preschool programs at Roper, said her new classroom has already proven to be a valuable addition to the building’s floor plan. LPS leaders chose to expand preschool services at Arnold and Roper because of the long wait list at both locations. Dozens of children are now learning how to count numbers and cooperate with classmates because of the new facilities.

“I think that the classroom is helping the students,” Harris said. “Without this classroom, some students probably wouldn’t have gotten into preschool this year, but with this new classroom and all the other new classrooms, they’re given an opportunity to attend preschool this year."

LPS Director of Early Childhood Cara Lucas-Richt said she was pleased to expand the department’s presence at both Arnold and Roper. The four new spaces bring the current total of LPS preschool classrooms to 81. LPS is planning to open two additional preschool classrooms at Arnold and new facilities at Kooser, Huntington and Humann in the next several years.

“New spaces and the ability to serve more children and families is always exciting,” Lucas-Richt said. “It’s also exciting because it means more children get to have a high-quality early childhood experience before they enter kindergarten, and they will be more prepared for kindergarten, having had a preschool experience in LPS.”

LPS provides a comprehensive preschool program for children through either a morning or afternoon session each day for 3.5 hours. Students have chances to socialize, solve problems and experience success through a range of activities. They learn how to brush their teeth, share toys, help other children and improve skills like hand-eye coordination and critical thinking.

“Early exposure to structured learning environments builds confidence, social-emotional skills and academic readiness – all essential for a smooth and successful transition into kindergarten,” Lucas-Richt said. “Simply put, starting in LPS preschool sets children up for long-term success in school and beyond.”

All four new classrooms have spacious play areas for children to enjoy activities. There is also an expanded kitchen area that features tables for eating meals, individual instruction and group events. During one morning at Roper, students used the tables to sample soft carrot circles, sweet-tasting melon and bites of French toast sticks.

Harris said she is passionate about helping all children reach their full potential. She spent the first half of her student-teaching assignment in a first grade classroom, and she finished the semester working in a preschool setting. She immediately knew that she wanted to lead younger students throughout her LPS teaching career.

“Preschool’s not required in the state of Nebraska, but LPS knows how important it is for kids to get the education this early, so that way they can be able to do these things,” Harris said.

Harris and other LPS preschool teachers begin their work well before the first day of school. They complete summer in-home visits with parents, guardians and other family members of every student on their class rosters. They also conduct multiple in-home visits during the school year, which are essential for families who may have moved from one part of Lincoln to another mid-year.

Harris said having a chance to talk with one of her newest students beforehand made a huge difference. The preschooler met her Roper classmates for the first time on a Monday in September, and she made a seamless transition with her fellow Rockets. She lit up with joy when she gave Harris plastic food items at a small table in one section of the room.

“I met her on Friday, and we already have a bond,” Harris said. “She was excited to come to school when she saw me, and then she felt safe. I think (the visits) make a huge impact on kids’ learning.”

Lucas-Richt said the in-home talks are also key moments for parents and guardians. She said families feel more confident, informed and engaged because of the bright conversations they have with preschool teachers.

“The partnerships our early childhood educators build with families are truly foundational to student success,” Lucas-Richt said. “These educators are often the first faces of LPS that families encounter, and they work diligently to foster trusting, supportive relationships from the very beginning.”

Lucas-Richt said the four new classrooms symbolize how much LPS values early childhood services throughout the city. She said preschool teachers are working hard to give all students the best possible start on their educational journeys.

“I am so deeply grateful for the dedication and heart our early childhood teams bring to this important work,” Lucas-Richt said. “They truly set the tone for lifelong learning and connection.”

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A preschool student smiles in a new classroom at Roper Elementary School. She is sitting on the ground behind a row of toy cars and trucks. A Roper Elementary School preschool teacher smiles as two preschool students play in a toy kitchen in the classroom.

Roper Elementary School

Roper Elementary School

Arnold, Roper preschool students enjoy success in new classrooms