On Nov. 17 the Shakopee Public School District board approved two linked action items affecting early learners and after‑school care.

Pearson Early Learning Center presenters recommended adoption of the Creative Curriculum after a district articulation team reviewed options and prioritized alignment with the TS Gold assessment system. Molane, Pearson’s administrator, described the resource as a comprehensive curriculum integrating language, literacy and numeracy through content‑based units and said staff plan an initial pilot, then full professional development in May and August. "This particular resource will pinpoint ways in which teachers can respond to those various needs for students," the presenter said. The proposed purchase is a multiyear bundle (five‑year cloud access and physical units) to be funded as a one‑time purchase.

Separately, community education director Lisa Hahn presented a business plan to bring school‑age care (K–5 before/after school, non‑school days and summer) in‑house starting fall 2026. Hahn outlined staffing structures (program manager, site supervisors, lead teachers, assistants), a typical staff‑to‑student ratio of 1:15, facility use at district schools, and a cost‑recovery fee model with potential grant partnerships. She emphasized continuity with the YMCA partnership through summer 2026 and described a timeline for implementation, marketing and enrollment.

After discussion about start‑up costs, use of fund years for purchases and alignment with elementary programming, the board approved both the Pearson curriculum adoption and the school‑age care proposal.

Next steps include vendor implementation planning for Pearson, professional development scheduling, and formation of an implementation team for school‑age care with registration and staffing plans to be returned to the board.