| The Early Childhood Program provides a continuum of programs for families and children from birth to school age. The program is dedicated to helping our youngest children by providing early learning opportunities across multiple settings and programs. In collaboration with parents and community partners, the Early Childhood Program works to facilitate increased school readiness and community access as appropriate for our young learners. The Early Childhood Program provides a variety of services to families and children including: |
Head Start
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Head Start is a federally funded program for preschool children, which services 3-year-old children (limited slots available), 4-year-old children and some 5-year-old children (who missed the September 1st "cut off" date for entrance in Kindergarten). We currently have 872 students at various locations throughout the county. The program is designed to serve economically disadvantaged families. Acceptance in the program is based on income and age requirements.
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Prekindergarten
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Prekindergarten is a preschool program for 4 year old students who are from families with economically disadvantaged backgrounds or who are homeless. The program is designed to provide students with a variety of learning experiences that address their cognitive, social, emotional, and physical needs. The Prekindergarten Program is primarily a boundary-based program, located in elementary schools throughout the county. Acceptance into the program is based on income requirements.
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Kindergarten
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Kindergarten is designed for children who are five years of age on or before September 1st of the school year in which the child enrolls. The Kindergarten Program provides opportunities for children to develop and grow, to experience the creative arts, to develop receptive language (listening and reading) skills, and expressive language (speaking and writing) skills, and to construct and extend concepts in mathematics, science, social studies, health, music, and physical education.
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Early Childhood Special Education
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Infant Toddler Program –
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The Infant Toddler Program provides early intervention services to children from birth to three years of age at risk for developmental delays. Services are provided in the child’s natural environment based on family needs.
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Preschool Program –
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Preschool services are provided to children ages three and four years old with disabilities. Specific services are delivered according to the student’s needs as identified in the Individualized Education Program. All four year special education children attend a full day program to ensure a seamless system of Early Childhood opportunities. Students are placed in classes according to their developmental levels and their chronological ages. Instruction is provided in the areas of adaptive skills, cognition, expressive language, receptive language, fine motor, gross motor, and personal social skills.
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Child Find –
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The Child Find Program conducts screenings and evaluations of 3 and 4 year old students. Children are referred to Child Find based on concerns in any area of development including pre-academic skills, motor skills, behavior, language development or speech skills. Referrals may be made by anyone including parents, pediatricians, daycare providers or preschool teachers.
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The Judith Hoyer Family Learning Center
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The Judith Hoyer Center provides services for preschool children and their families. Community-based agencies and organizations, along with school programs, collaborate to provide an integrated approach to service delivery. The “Judy Center” promotes school readiness through early childhood care and education as well as family support and health programs.
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