We are a very large and diverse program and are proud to offer a variety of classrooms to meet the instructional needs of all of our students. The classroom placement of a child is an IEP team decision, made at the intial IEP meeting. A child's category of eligibility does not determine the classroom placement.
All programs utilize:
Standards based instruction with supplemental curriculum
Handwriting Without Tears, A to Z Mat Man and Me
LETRS
Creative Curriculum
Arizona Early Learning Standards
Conscious Discipline
GENERAL EDUCATION PRESCHOOL
A few of our classrooms in the district meet the state definition of General Education Preschool, 50% typically developing students (paying tuition), and 50% Special Education students qualifying for services under the IDEA. These classes have a Certified Teacher and at least one paraprofessional in the classroom. The communication-based programming is developmentally appropriate and AZ early learning standards focused. Therapists typically provide intervention in the classroom so that the children will benefit from the activities in their natural environment. This intervention is then extended throughout the week during intentional play activities.
Total number of students=16
INTEGRATED SETTING
The majority of campus preschool classrooms are fully integrated, with a blend of up to 15 students total, either qualifying for special education services or typically developing preschoolers. These classes have a Certified Teacher and at least one paraprofessional in the classroom. The communication-based programming is developmentally appropriate and AZ early learning standards focused. This intervention is then extended throughout the week during intentional play activities. Therapists typically provide intervention in the classroom so that the children will benefit from the activities in their natural environment. Total number of students=15
Multiply Disabled/MAGIC (Motor, Adaptive, Gaining Independence, Communication)
These classrooms are designed to provide medically fragile or children with multiple, significant impairments to be educated in a smaller environment that is sensitive to their specific needs. The foundation of the classroom is to provide opportunities for each student to gain independence in the emerging development of gross motor, fine motor, adaptive, and communication skills. There is a certified teacher and two or three paraprofessionals in each classroom, depending on the size of the class and the needs of the students. Inclusion with typical peers daily increases as appropriate on an individual basis. Classes are typically limited to seven or eight students. Therapists come into the classroom, and the systems are set-up to provide daily routines so that the children are receiving educational intervention daily, not just when the therapist is present. The teachers are familiar with assistive technology and they use it throughout the day to enhance the children’s communication and access to their environment. Total number of students=8
SPICE (Social Pragmatics Independence Communication Emotional Regulation)
Some children with significant difficulties and/or delays in social and emotional development, sensory and emotional regulation, and communication may require a different approach to their interventions than children with other disabilities. Some students on the autism spectrum benefit from this setting. They are more routine-bound and benefit from an environment and teaching style that is very visual and concrete in nature. They often require strategies which address specific sensory needs. Many children with these delays do well in the integrated classroom with modifications to the environment. They are able to model from the typical children, and make progress on the IEP goals in the larger and busier environment. For some children, this environment is too overwhelming and they need a smaller classroom which is very specific to their individual needs. SPICE classrooms are limited to seven to eight children. Instruction is provided by a certified teacher, with two-three paraprofessionals supporting the program, depending on the size of the class and the needs of the students. The certified teacher has been trained in a variety of approaches which have been proven to be effective with children with autism and related disorders. These approaches include, but are not limited to: applied behavior analysis, PECS, sensory integration, visual strategies, daily schedule, pivotal response, and social stories. A special curriculum, STAR, is implemented in this classroom. Socialization is a primary goal for all children in this classroom, and although typical children are not enrolled in the SPICE class, opportunities are provided daily for SPICE students to interact with the typical children in the other preschool programs on campus.
Total number of students=8
Integrated SPICE
Integrated SPICE is a blended program with all students learning and growing in one inclusive environment. Every child can feel valued for their unique contributions and have a sense of belonging. This program taught by a certified teacher supported by two paraprofessionals, will have a maximum of 12 children and will consist of 50% of the students receiving special education support for their individual needs associated with ASD, and 50% typically developing peer role models. This model is designed to promote social interactions and to develop communication skills using peer modeling and intentional, systematic, and individualized intervention.
*Special Education enrollment for this program is district initiated and will be based on district boundaries and capacities.
Max of 12 students, 6 tuition
Deaf/Hard of Hearing
This program is designed to teach speech, language, and auditory training skills to children who are deaf or hard of hearing. Oral and/or total communication approaches are utilized dependent upon the child’s specific needs. The program includes certified teachers of the deaf and hard of hearing who are familiar with the needs of very young children with hearing loss, and a trained classroom assistant. The children in the class will have daily opportunities to interact with their typical peers.
Total number of students=8 max
Social Structured Preschool
This program is designed to provide children with identified significant social and/or emotional challenges with a highly structured, small group educational experience. Instruction is provided by a certified teacher, with two-three paraprofessionals depending on the size of the class and the needs of the students. Although all areas of development are focused on, the area of social/emotional development is a high focus area. We thinkers! Curriculum and Conscious Discipline Strategies are implemented through intentional and direct instruction. Positive techniques and strategies are implemented to assist students in developing appropriate coping strategies and self-regulation skills, leading to behaviors and social interaction appropriate in an educational setting.
Total number of students=8