Kyrene Preschool Program

Kyrene Preschool Programat Mirada

Kyrene School District2013-2014

Meet Our StaffSpecial Education Preschool TeacherMary DulinB.A. Special Education ASU 1987M.Ed. Learning and Instructional Technology ASU 1997 Speech/Language PathologistCheryl Davis B.A. Elementary Education UN 1983M.S. Clinical Speech Language Pathology NAU 2000Instructional AssistantsCyna Stehr Nancy Laubham

Mirada Preschool StaffSpecial Education Preschool TeacherKaren LedermanB.A. Education NAU 1982Speech/Language PathologistCheryl Davis B.A. Elementary Education UN 1983M.S. Clinical Speech Language Pathology NAU 2000Instructional AssistantsVera BaumgartnerAny Becker

District SpecialistsDirector of Special Education Shari DukesLead Preschool TeacherLori ConroyAdministrative Assistant Becky Lugo Occupational TherapistAllison MascariPhysical Therapist Marcia Weinhauer Assistive Technology Specialist Susan Swanson Janet Fukuda

Program Description Program Philosophyyoung children learn best through play activities

these play activities need to be appropriate to the childs DEVELOPMENTAL level, not necessarily the childs AGE level

learning is maximized when children are given the opportunity to make choices AND are provided with some adult directed activities

Program Philosophychildren learn by imitation, therefore typical peers are an integral part of the programlearning is enhanced when children can predict expectations, therefore the program utilizes a structured routinethe curriculum areas addressed in the program are social, language, cognitive, fine and gross motor, and self-help skillsTypical Daily ScheduleOpeningChild directed Play (1 hour)Small GroupsCircleBathroom BreakGross Motor PlaySnackClosing

Preschool CurriculumTeaching GoldState Mandated Assessment tool 36 Goals plus sub objectivesAssessment completed three times a yearOne baselineTwo parent reportsDrives curriculum and activities

Phonemic AwarenessHelp children build a foundation for reading. Activities include:Playing with soundsRhymingSegment wordsBreak words into syllablesIdentify beginning soundsRecognize /produce words with same soundChange beginning or ending sounds orally to make new words

Number SenseMany of our activities build upon number sense and early number concepts to help your child become ready to complete math tasks in elementary school.These activities include:Dice gamesComparing numbers and amountsCountingPlaying one more than one less than games

Daily Schedule

Activities for LearningBlock CenterArt CenterGames and PuzzlesBook CenterManipulative/Math CenterScience/Nature CenterDramatic Play CenterComputer CenterWriting CenterPhonological Awareness

CookingMusicCircle TimeFree PlaySnackOutside PlaySensory ActivitiesLibraryDramatic PlayReading BuddiesAssemblies

Pick A Place To Play

Speech/Language ServicesLanguage activities done whole group

Small groups working on specific speech sounds

Consults with preschool staff on ways to implements speech and language goals.

Collects language samples during play time

Facilitates peer interactions and expressive languageAssessmentAssessment is on-going and can be conducted in large or small groups, as well as individually.

Parent/Teacher Communication

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

Whats In A Wednesday?!?Home visits as needed for children with special needsDepartment of Education TrainingsPlacement meetingsProgress reviewsStaff developmentTeam PlanningDistrict team meetingsTransition meetings with kindergarten staff

Impact on Elementary SchoolsProvides children and families with a positive first experience in schoolPrepares children for their kindergarten experienceCreates 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.

PTOFirst Meeting of the Year: to be announcedFree Childcare is ProvidedWhat is the PTO?Parent Teacher OrganizationPTO supports School Events, Organizes Fundraisers, Plans Community Nights and supports the teachers with supplies, materials and funds professional development opportunities.Dads Club

Ways to Support Preschool ProgramTax Credit donationSee link on district web page www.kyrene.org VolunteerGuest readerPreparation work (i.e. super stars)Donation of requested items wish list helping hands board newsletter

Mirada Mission StatementInspiring Academic Excellence WhileCelebrating Strengths,Developing Leaders, and Honoring Diversity