Investing in Pre-K, Investing in Futures

This fall, the Foundation received a generous estate gift from the late Marguerite Lybbert, a devoted Waterloo educator whose vision was to support workshops and seminars for lower elementary teachers. Last month, the WSF Board of Directors approved $3,391.70 from the endowment to support professional development for Pre-K educators districtwide.

The approved funding will provide 10 TeachingStrategies memberships, one for each elementary and early childhood building site. These support both teachers and paraeducators working in Pre-K classrooms. TeachingStrategies offers high-quality professional learning resources focused on early childhood instruction, including dedicated training pathways to support staff pursuing their Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, a required certification for Pre-K support staff in the Waterloo Community School District.

High-quality Pre-K experiences can set the foundation for a child’s entire k-12 journey. By investing in educators at the earliest level, we can ensure students enter kindergarten ready to learn, build confidence, and thrive academically and socially.

Equally important is the role of paraeducators, who are essential partners in early childhood classrooms. Paraeducators provide critical instructional, social, and emotional support to young learners, and investing in their professional growth strengthens classroom outcomes for both students and teachers. This funding recognizes their vital contributions and supports their continued development and credentialing.

The Waterloo Schools Foundation is honored to steward the M. Lybbert Endowment ensures its impact continues by supporting educators, empowering students, and honoring a legacy rooted in the belief that strong beginnings lead to strong futures.