FONTANA, CA — More than 500 families gathered at Jessie Turner Park this fall for Fontana Unified’s 10th annual Early Education Family Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) Night, an interactive, outdoor, community event designed to strengthen family engagement and spark curiosity in STEAM among the District’s youngest learners.

Summit High School volunteers, alongside the Early Education instructional teams, guided families with children ages 2 to 5 in a range of play-based, hands-on activities that celebrated creativity and exploration. Organized in partnership with the District’s State preschool, transitional kindergarten, and special education preschool programs, the evening featured various stations that introduced STEAM concepts, including participating in sensory activities, observing color changes by mixing food dye, building catapults, constructing block structures from blueprints, and learning gardening skills.

“Our families are their children’s first teachers, and their involvement is essential to each child’s growth and success,” Senior Director of Early Education Darcy Whitney said. “Through our early education programs and events like Family STEAM Night, we provide families with the tools, guidance, and opportunities to actively support their children’s academic and social-emotional development from the very start.”

Fontana Unified’s Early Education programs provide a developmentally appropriate learning environment that fosters academic and social-emotional growth from the very beginning of a child’s education journey. District families have access to various learning experiences, including the Early Explorers Academy for 2- to 3-year-olds, the California State Preschool Program for 3- to 5-year-olds, and transitional kindergarten for 4- to 5-year-olds. Each program emphasizes play-based, hands-on learning guided by the California Preschool and TK Learning Foundations.

Families also have access to year-round workshops and counseling opportunities to help them support their student’s communication, behavior, and emotional development at home and in the classroom.

Enrollment for Fontana Unified’s Early Education programs is open year-round. Families interested in joining the District’s early learning community can visit www.fusd.net/earlyed for more information.

“Not only do our Early Education programs give students the opportunity to learn, explore and grow in a nurturing environment that lays the groundwork for future success, but we also provide resources for our parents and families to support their children’s learning,” Superintendent Miki R. Inbody said. “We are proud to offer experiences like Family STEAM Night that bring our families together and highlight the excitement of early learning in Fontana Unified.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

EARLY_ED_STEAM_NIGHT1: A young learner explores nature through a hands-on planting activity during Fontana Unified’s 10th annual Early Education Family STEAM Night. The event highlighted the District’s commitment to providing engaging, developmentally appropriate experiences through its Early Education programs.

EARLY_ED_STEAM_NIGHT2: A student builds with colorful blocks and foam materials during Fontana Unified’s Early Education Family STEAM Night, practicing creativity and problem-solving skills. The activity reflected the District’s focus on play-based learning that supports growth across all early education programs.