At Westbrook Elementary School, a part of Westside Community Schools in Omaha, students file out of the building as the last bell of the day rings. But next to the entrance, equipped with books and learning materials, there’s a group of kids too young to be Kindergarteners.
They, and their parents, are here for park and play.
Three times a week, when parents come to pick up their school-aged kids, they’re able to bring younger children as well. Books, learning materials, and other activities are set out to give the younger kids a chance to socialize and interact with each other.
They are part of the “Cub Club.”
Jill Garrett, family facilitator and early childhood specialist at Westbrook, developed Cub Club to give children and their families a chance to be involved within their school well before they are officially enrolled.
On Tuesdays, Garrett hosts a drop-in and play socialization at an area of Westbrook fondly called “Little Land,” a space designed specifically for young children. Here, the kids get a chance to play and learn with others while parents can chat.
Family engagement nights occur once a month, organized around an activity for students and their families. Garrett sets up age-appropriate activities for the Cub Club kids, so they can be involved, too.
Parents are also given the opportunity to meet with Garrett one-on-one to set goals, review milestones, and explore techniques that will encourage their child’s growth and development.
These programs and more are a part of the “School as Hub” model under the Superintendents’ Early Childhood Plan.
The Superintendents’ Plan is a collaborative effort of the 11 school districts in metro Omaha that make up the Learning Community of Douglas and Sarpy Counties to develop early childhood programs, especially for children living in poverty. The Buffett Early Childhood Institute at the University of Nebraska provides leadership and support for the plan.
At the core of the School as Hub approach is the idea that schools can serve as the “hub” to connect children and their families to resources within and beyond school walls. Schools can help families navigate and access early education services and community resources from the moment children are born. Westbrook is one of 10 “School as Hub” schools across the 11 districts.
By working with children and families at a young age, Garrett can help students better transition to Kindergarten, strengthen the school community, and increase parent engagement.
“It's extremely important to have children birth through 5 socializing with each other so they begin to develop those social skills that are needed for Kindergarten,” said Garrett.
Family facilitator and early childhood specialist Jill Garrett high-fives a toddlerFor Stormie Ramer and her family, Westbrook Elementary is a place where the whole family can grow. While 5-year-old Isla attends Kindergarten, 1-year-old Russell attends park and play and Tuesday morning drop-in-and-plays, giving him a chance to interact with kids around his age.
“With that interaction comes a lot of learning to share, learning to be around other kids, learning to be in that social environment,” said Ramer. “I read books and we play with him ... but I need that socialization aspect of what he doesn't get at home.”
The benefits for kids and the school community are evident, but an unexpected perk for some has been the community and camaraderie between parents.
“It’s good for the kids, but it's also really needed for us,” said Ramer. “It’s just nice to be around like-minded people in the same position, doing the same thing, in a little judgment-free zone.”
The concept took a little time to catch on, but by December, 10 families had signed up for Cub Club.
At the beginning, cross-district collaboration was key to Garrett’s success.
Staff from the Buffett Institute help facilitate the Superintendents’ Plan through coaching and regular meetings. Family facilitators from across 11 districts can attend trainings and discuss ideas with people in their same role.
“Starting out I was somewhat mentored by other professionals in my same role within the Superintendents’ Early Childhood Plan, the same people I go to trainings with. That helped me because I got to see what they do, and then see what I can bring in,” said Garrett.
Cris Lopez Anderson, leadership program administrator at the Buffett Institute, said it’s essential for schools to provide opportunities for children and families beginning at birth.
“It’s also about building genuine, trusting relationships and creating experiences like Westbrook’s Cub Club that bring families together,” Lopez Anderson said. “Through these shared moments, schools and families form strong partnerships, fostering a foundation of mutual support that nurtures each child’s growth, learning, and sense of belonging, ensuring they feel valued as part of the school community."
Garrett also meets with parents through one-on-one visits.
For Lauren Cloyed, 3-year-old Willow, and 1-year-old Atlas, meeting with Garrett provides a personalized touch.
“She really tailors everything to what the kids want to learn or needs.” said Cloyed. “If I say Willow wants to work on letters, I'll come back in the next week and she'll have something that Willow can use.”
But Garrett is quick to remind the parents of their role as well.
“It's important, though, that the parents know and that I let them know that they are their child's first teacher. They are with their children every day. I'm only there to support them,” said Garrett.
In her four months at Westbrook, Garrett, whom the kids call “Miss Jill,” has become a familiar face.
“The routine of seeing her consistently and having that positive role in Willow’s life has been just really, really amazing,” said Cloyed. “Watching her get excited to see Miss Jill, it helps with so much, like getting her out of the house on time. She just loves the social part of it.”
The excitement of seeing Miss Jill has Lauren’s youngest kids ready to join older brother, 6-year-old Jonah, at school.
“They've been wanting to go to school," Cloyed said. "And I'm sure they'll be even more excited when they get to go to school themselves."
Greta Morris joined the Buffett Early Childhood Institute in June 2023. In her role as public outreach communications specialist, she is responsible for media relations, communications, and public outreach.