OLMSTED FALL PRESCHOOL PROGRAM
Application Deadline: January 20th
Program Description
Our preschool program at Falls Lenox Primary School was developed for the education of children with special needs who reside within the Olmsted Falls City School District. Typical peers participate two to four days a week with sessions in the morning and afternoon. Classes are taught by a certified Special Education teacher with specific training in Early Childhood Education. In addition to the teacher, a classroom paraprofessional, specialists and therapists work together to facilitate learning for all students.
Educational Philosophy
Our thematic curriculum is aligned with the Early Learning Content Standards provided by the Ohio Department of Education. These state standards include: language arts, math, science, and social studies. Our classrooms are specially designed for children of all ability levels; modifications and adaptations are utilized to maximize learning. Developmentally appropriate activities are implemented, peer relations encouraged, and compassion for others discovered.
Other Program Offerings
o Home visits to aid in transition from home
o Field trips provided by school transportation
o Opportunities for parent involvement o Interactions with school age children
o Nutritional snacks provided by the school cafeteria
o Monthly visits from an Olmsted Falls public librarian
o Participation in school assemblies
o Easier transition to Kindergarten
Role of the Typical Peer
With a commitment to provide an inclusionary educational setting for our students with special needs, the practice of including “typical peers” is used and recommended by the Ohio Department of Education. Typical children provide an excellent learning model for our students with special needs. Typical children also benefit from a rich, developmentally appropriate preschool experience with exposure to children with differences. Participating as a typical peer in the special education preschool class is a privilege. In order to create an optimal learning environment we are looking for the following:
o Children between the ages of 3 and 5 o Children who reside in Olmsted Falls attendance boundaries
o Children able to serve as leaders/role models
o Children who demonstrate behavior within the typical range
o Children who have a strength in communication skills
o Children who are toilet trained
If your child meets the listed criteria, he/she may be an excellent candidate for our program. Applications for the 2009 – 2010 school year are available online, or at the Falls Lenox Primary School main office. After completion and return of the application, your child will be invited to participate in a one hour play date. This provides us an opportunity to observe specific developmental skills that are essential for our program.
Applications are currently being accepted and our play date sessions are schedule to take place on Friday, January 23rd and Friday, January 30th - parents will be contacted via phone to confirm the specific date and time.
Please understand that we have many candidates and can only choose a few to meet the needs of each classroom. If accepted, typical peers pay a tuition fee which is as follows:
o Children attending twice per week/ $50.00 a month
o Children attending three times per week/ $75.00 a month
o Children attending four times per week / $100.00 a month
The days of attendance are determined collaboratively by both the parent and classroom teacher. Morning and afternoon sessions run Monday through Thursday.
Children with Special Needs or Suspected Disabilities
If your child has a disability, you suspect that your child may have a disability, or he/she demonstrates delays in any area of development please contact us to begin the screening process. If additional information is needed, you and your child will be invited to a Play-Based Assessment during which our team will evaluate all areas of development focusing on the areas of most concern. This process helps to determine the severity of the delays and whether or not your child would be eligible for our program.
If you have any questions, or would like additional information, please contact Gina Sanfilippo at 440-427-6403 or via e-mail at gsanfilippo@ofcs.net.