DoDEA Europe Expands Prekindergarten in Second Year of Rollout
Ramstein Elementary School welcomed 120 prekindergarten students this week as part of the second year of DoDEA Europe’s phased rollout of prekindergarten. With eight classes, Ramstein now hosts the largest prekindergarten program in DoDEA Europe. The school’s administrators, teachers, and staff were praised for creating a welcoming and engaging environment—classrooms were thoughtfully prepared, and students experienced a smooth and joyful first day. Now in phase two, more than 1,380 children are enrolled across 29 elementary schools in Germany, Italy, Bahrain, Turkey, Spain, England, and Belgium.
The expansion marks another significant step in DoDEA’s commitment to increasing access to early childhood education for military-connected students.
“Welcoming prekindergarten into our school communities is an exciting milestone, and the success of this first week is just the beginning,” said Dr. Michelle Howard-Brahaney, DoDEA Europe Director for Student Excellence. “We are setting the conditions for success for every student from the very start of their educational journey. We are thrilled to support the growth and development of our youngest learners throughout this year and beyond.”
This year’s launch was celebrated across the region with the support of military leaders, parents, educators, and local communities. Many schools organized special activities to welcome prekindergarten students, while community leaders emphasized the importance of early learning as the foundation for lifelong academic achievement.
DoDEA Europe teams spent the summer preparing for the second year of implementation. Logistics staff coordinated the delivery and assembly of classroom furniture, curriculum materials, and supplies to ensure prekindergarten spaces were ready for students on day one at Ramstein Elementary and Kleine Brogel.
Educators played a central role in the preparations. Prekindergarten teachers, Preschool Services for Children with Disabilities (PSCD) staff, and educational aides completed intensive professional development in August. Training focused on The Creative Curriculum for Preschool, which has been adopted system-wide.
All children who meet DoDEA eligibility requirements and turn four years old on or before September 1, 2024, are eligible to enroll in prekindergarten. More information on the program is available at dodea.edu/UPK.
