Kyrene Preschool Program at Manitas Kyrene School District

Kyrene Preschool Program at Manitas Kyrene School District 2011 -2012

Meet Our Staff Manitas Staff J Lori Conroy, Special Education Preschool Teacher J Mary Dulin-Special Education J Sara Shuster, Special Education Preschool Teacher J Sandy Hill, Speech/Language Pathologist in both classrooms J Kim Cantelmo and Yvonne Pinckard full-time assistants in Lori’s class J Marita Hinojos and Karin Wade fulltime assistants in Sara’s class District Specialists • Shari Dukes- Director of Special Education • Occupational Therapist-Alex Osses • Ann Pinkwasser- Physical Therapist • Susan Swanson and Janet Fukuda Assistive Technology Specialist • Behavior Specialist-Rene Wozniak

Program Description We are a language based, integrated program including children ages 3 -5 who have differing abilities We provide early intervention services to children who have developmental delays and school readiness skills for all children. We provide a structured preschool experience and prepare students for school.

Program Philosophy ¤ young children learn best through play activities ¤ these play activities need to be appropriate to the child’s DEVELOPMENTAL level, not necessarily the child’s AGE level ¤ learning is maximized when children are given the opportunity to make choices AND are provided with some adult directed activities ¤ children learn by imitation, therefore “typical” peers are an integral part of the program ¤ learning is enhanced when children can predict expectations, therefore the program utilizes a structured routine ¤ the curriculum areas addressed in the program are social, language, cognitive, fine and gross motor, and self-help skills

Typical Daily Schedule �Opening �Free Play �Circle �Small Groups �Bathroom Break �Gross Motor Play Snack �Closing

Daily Schedule

Activities for Learning #Block Center #Art Center #Listening Center #Games and Puzzles #Book Center #Manipulative/Math Center #Science/Nature Center #Housekeeping Center #Computer Center #Writing Center #Phonological Awareness (ex: letter names and sounds, rhyming, beginning word sounds, sound discrimination) Cooking Music Circle Time Free Play Plan Time Snack Outside Play Sensory Library Reading Buddies Assemblies Dramatic Play

Pick A Place To Play

Social Skills/Character Education Programs Character Counts-Program to develop responsible, caring individuals. Based on six pillars of character. Trustworthiness Respect Responsibility Fairness Caring Citizenship

Manitas B’s • Be Safe • Be Respectful • Be Responsible • B coupons: collect five and get a certificate and name announced on announcements.

Assessment is on-going and can be conducted in large or small groups, as well as individually. Informal observations Criterion. Referenced Tests Checklists Standardized Tests Teaching Gold Assessment Anecdotal Records Language Samples

Parent/Teacher Communication Biweekly Newsletter Super Stars Phone or Email Skills or Teaching Gold Report Sound Bags Conferences, Home Visits or Family Nights

Role of Typical Peer Provide appropriate models for speech and language, behavior, etc. Develop friendships and love of learning Participate cooperatively in a variety of pre-academic activities during which they experience many opportunities for personal growth

What’s In A Wednesday? !? HHome visits as needed for children with special needs HScreenings/evaluations HPlacement meetings HProgress reviews HStaff development HTeam Planning HDistrict team meetings HTransition meetings with kindergarten staff

Impact on Elementary Schools ~ Provides children and families with a positive first experience in school ~ Prepares children for their kindergarten experience ~ Creates a smooth transition from preschool to kindergarten. Transition plans begin in January of each year for children with different needs. ~ Because not all elementary schools have preschool programs, the district is divided into preschool regions. Children are usually serviced at their home school or the school closest to their home school.

PTO First Meeting of the Year: Tuesday, August 30 (in the Media Center/Library) @ 6: 30 pm Free Childcare is Provided What is the PTO? Parent Teacher Organization PTO supports School Events, Organizes Fundraisers, Plans Community Nights and supports the teachers with supplies, materials and funds professional development opportunities.