Washington Education Center

About Us
Helping Hands Preschool falls under the Barton County Special Services umbrella and is designed to meet the growing demand for additional quality preschool education for our community. These preschool classrooms are taught by a special education teacher and assisted by paraeducators. Research studies conclude that preschool instruction leads to high-quality and better outcomes for a 3 and 4 year old. The preschool teacher’s verbal directions, physical assistance, and questioning, help children improve their skills and knowledge. To meet individual student needs, the teacher’s expertise enhances observations and instruction. The primary focus for the instructional day will include both cognitive and social skills. Fine motor skills, gross motor skills as well as music, art and academic readiness skills will be a part of our preschool curriculum. This program provides: 

Preschool
Community Services
Monthly Developmental Screenings
Part C to B Transition

The Helping Hands preschool sessions will follow the current USD 428 calendar and run Monday through Thursday each week for those meeting eligibility requirements. 

Morning session: 8:00-10 :30 am
Afternoon session: 12:00-2:30 pm 

Monthly Screenings
A preschool screening is a series of developmental screeners designed for 3 and 4 year old’s to make sure they are on track with their development and to catch any potential delays. The areas that are screened at our screenings are Fine Motor, Gross Motor, Language, Concepts, Hearing, and Vision. Plan ahead for your screening appointment to take about an hour long. Call Helping Hands Preschool today to schedule your screening. For further information, please contact Helping Hands PreSchool Coordinator, Shelly Post, at 620-793-1615.

Helping Hands Preschool provides Part B special education services to eligible children 3 to 5 years of age in special education preschool classrooms throughout Barton County. Helping Hands Preschool has a staff of educational, developmental, and health professionals to provide individualized services so that children and their families have every advantage possible in their early years. 

The programs for students with social-emotional/behavioral needs are designed to assist students whose behaviors have adversely affected some aspect of their educational performance that they are unable to function or make acceptable progress with services and/or program options available in less restrictive environments. Most of the students have emotional and behavioral challenges that are demonstrated in significant interpersonal and social skills deficits as well as some students with poor academic work habits. The goal of each program is to work collaboratively with students, their families, and community agencies to promote self-awareness and selfcontrol, along with the development of productive interpersonal/social skills and necessary coping strategies. Once students acquire the necessary skills, they will return to their neighborhood school or, if age appropriate, will transition out of public education into an appropriate community setting. The program provides a safe, supportive environment where students will have the opportunity to mainstream with their peers and to make progress within a time frame that meets their needs and abilities. 

PTRC is YOUR Make and Take Headquarters!

Need a space to draw, paint, craft, etc.? The Parent Teacher Resource Center (PTRC) is a way USD 428 gives back to our community. It is designed for people of all experience levels. PTRC is a great place for parents to make items from teaching aids to birthday invitations. Students can make posters and display boards for their speeches and school projects. The PTRC is also open to the community and is utilized by school districts, businesses, churches, clubs,  and fairs. The PTRC offers support with individual projects! Check out their website for more information. 

The gifted department provides services for students in our member district who are identified as gifted.  Services include interest-based projects, career exploration, and college preparation.  Students may compact or accelerate their curriculum as necessary to meet their academic needs.  Specific services may vary according to the student's needs.