The Preschool Program in District 200 provides services to meet the needs of children between the ages of 3 and 5 who experience educational challenges and are found eligible for special education services. Students are found eligible for special education services following an evaluation if they exhibit deficits that impede their learning. Areas of eligibility include learning disabilities, emotional disorders, mental impairment, speech and language disorders, hearing impairment, vision impairment, traumatic brain injury, physical/health impairment, autism, developmental delay. All children who reside in District 200 (including private school students) are entitled to evaluation and special education services if found eligible. The preschool program focuses on developing a child's speech, language, social, motor and school readiness skills. A certified special education teacher and speech/language pathologist staff each preschool section. Students may also receive services from other certified or licensed staff, such as occupational therapists, physical therapists, or vision and hearing professionals.
In addition to the special education programs offered, the District provides many professional services to eligible students. These services are made a part of the student's individualized educational plan based on individual needs and include:
| • | Speech and language therapy. |
| • | Counseling by the school social worker. |
| • | Support and instruction from a vision or hearing specialist. |
| • | Occupational therapy. |
| • | Physical therapy. |
| • | Adapted physical education. |
| • | Assistive technology. |
| • | Behavior management plans. |
| • | Specialized nursing. |
| • | Communications specialist. |
Speech and Language Services
Children with mild to moderate speech and/or language disorders receive services from a
speech /language pathologist either individually or in small groups depending on the child's specific needs.
Phonology Class
A special class is offered for children whose speech is not easily understood because they don't enunciate correctly, but are typical in other areas of their development. Phonemic awareness and the production of specific speech sounds are emphasized. In this program, a small group of students attend a class with a speech pathologist for 2½ hours, 2 days a week on a "7-weeks on - 7-weeks off" schedule.
Regular Education Class
This program is for children with disabilities who require special education services more than 50% of the school day, but benefit from placement in a regular preschool class with typically developing peers. Special education services are provided on a pullout, push-in and/or consulting basis according
to each child's individualized educational plan (IEP).
Self-Contained Class
A variety of self-contained classes also are provided for students who require special education services more than 50% of the school day. Students in these classes benefit from instruction from the certified special education teacher in a small group setting. Class sizes are limited to a maximum of 10 students. Students in these classes are integrated into regular education classes to the extent possible.