Alpine Elementary School prides itself on its high-quality preschool program, where learning begins with exploration and play. Supported by the passion and dedication of two educators, Mrs. Debi Boruff and Mrs. Kathy Willyard, the program continuously prepares students academically by creating a sense of curiosity, empathy, and joy in learning. Reflecting on their journey into early childhood education, Willyard recalls, “We both wanted to be teachers from a young age based on our positive experiences with our teachers.”
Willyard and Boruff, who both have dedicated over a decade to Alpine Elementary, share a profound commitment to shaping young minds. Willyard’s educational background boasts a Bachelor’s in Early Childhood Education and a Master’s in Early Childhood Special Education from Regis University, while Boruff earned her Bachelor’s in Psychology and Elementary Education from the University of Northern Colorado in Greeley before adding her early childhood certification.
Alpine’s reputation within the community captured their interest. “What we value most about being part of this school community is the level of collaboration and support that exists among staff, parents, and students,” explains Boruff. “While the International Baccalaureate (IB) framework was a new endeavor for both of us, we have found joy in developing engaging units of inquiry tailored to preschoolers, ensuring a meaningful and enriching educational experience for all.”
Being a high-quality preschool program means prioritizing a rich learning environment that supports the development of every child, with the focus on creating engaging experiences that cater to the diverse needs of all.
The philosophy of play-based learning plays a crucial role in a student’s academic development. Both Boruff and Willyard firmly believe that preschoolers excel in an environment where they can engage in exploration, experimentation, and hands-on discovery. “Our choice time is set up in a way where students choose areas of interests that incorporate art, math, literacy, pretend, social emotional, fine and gross motor, and science,” explains Boruff. “Students learn through play even without recognizing they are learning.”
Alpine’s preschool program is dedicated to preparing preschoolers for kindergarten both academically and socially. “We use programs like Paths and Second Step that help students develop social-emotional skills, recognize and manage their feelings, and build positive relationships,” shares Willyard. By incorporating fundamental subjects such as literacy and math into daily activities, students are better prepared for the transition to kindergarten. “Through tools like Teaching Strategies Gold, we track student progress, allowing us to tailor our approach to meet each child’s needs effectively,” she explains.
Engaging parents in their child’s educational journey is a key focus for Boruff and Willyard. “We value the partnership we have with parents and offer various opportunities for them to engage in our program,” shares Boruff. “We offer home and school connection activities that parents can do with their children, as well as engagement through SeeSaw. We also invite families to share pictures with us in the classroom.”
Through their teaching experiences, Boruff and Willyard have gained a deep appreciation for flexibility and empathy in the classroom. “My time in teaching has taught me the importance of being adaptable and seeing things from different perspectives,” reflects Willyard. “Understanding that what works for one child may not work for another is key.”