Preschool Program at Kyrene de las Lomas Kyrene School District 2016-2017

Meet Our Staff Lomas Preschool Staff Special Education Preschool Teacher Chris Epper B.A. Special Education UNR M.Ed. Special Education UNR Speech/Language Pathologist Kristin Grover B.S.N. Nursing SDSU M.A. Communication Disorders USD CCC-SLP from ASHA Instructional Assistants Karen D’Antonio Liane Calderon A.A. in Fine Arts Pierce College Special Education Preschool Teacher Mary Dulin B.A. Special Education ASU M.Ed. Learning and Instructional Technology ASU Speech/Language Pathologist Kristin Grover B.S.N. Nursing SDSU M.A. Communication Disorders USD CCC-SLP from ASHA Instructional Assistants Vicki Wilcox BBA UW Oshkosh Becky Herzberg B.A. Graphic Arts Cal. Poly Pamoma

District Specialists Director of Special Education Shari Dukes Lead Preschool Teacher Lori Conroy Administrative Assistant Becky Lugo Occupational Therapist Elyse Lane, OTR Lisa Starzetski, CODA Physical Therapist Christine Barlog, PT Vision Teacher Arnold Nipert Hearing Impaired Teacher Lisa Walton

Speech/Language Services Leads large group lessons in phonological awareness, speech sound production, and language skills Leads small group lessons working on various language skills Works with individual students or small groups on specific goals Consults with preschool staff on ways to support speech and language skills throughout the day.

Staff Ratio Each day there are three adults for approximately 16 students 1 Highly Qualified Teacher in Special Education and Early Childhood 2 instructional assistants that have extensive training 1 Speech Language Pathologist-1 day a week (Thursday)

Program Description We are a language based, integrated program including children ages 3-5 who have differing abilities We provide early intervention services to children who have developmental delays and school readiness skills for all children. We provide a structured preschool experience and prepare students for school.

Program Philosophy Children are unique and diverse with individual strengths and needs. Each child’s diversity is embraced and valued.   High Quality early education programing and planning is vital to children’s development and success. Interactions that are meaningful and rich occur between the teachers, the children and their parents foster learning opportunities. Learning through rich language and play opportunities as well as hands on experiences are crucial to children’s development and growth. Dedicated professionals help children reach their fullest potential by providing access to and facilitating a variety of learning opportunities.

Program Philosophy Young children learn best through play activities. These play activities need to be appropriate to the child’s DEVELOPMENTAL level, not necessarily the child’s AGE level. Learning is maximized when children are given the opportunity to make choices AND are provided with some adult directed activities. Learning is enhanced when children can predict expectations, therefore the program utilizes a structured routine. The curriculum areas addressed in the program are social, language, cognitive, fine and gross motor, and self-help skills.

Typical Daily Schedule Meet and Greet/Music/Movement Jobs/Pick Place Play Circle Time (Large Group-Stories/Concepts) Center/Play Time Includes small groups, center choices, individual work with teacher Circle Time (Large group-- Stories/Concepts) Outside Time Snack Time Recall/Super Stars/Closing

Classroom Centers Creativity/Art Center/Sensory Reading and Listening Center Manipulative/Math Center Science/Nature Center Dramatic Play Center Music Center Writing Center Blocks and Building Center Technology—Smart Board Center

Arizona State Standards for Early Childhood Social/Emotional Approaches to Learning Language and Literacy Mathematics Science Social Studies Physical Development Health and Safety Fine Arts

Preschool Curriculum The curriculum is divided into 8 major themes for the year: 1. Ready for School 2. My Family 3. Our Community 4. Awesome Animals! 5. Imagine It, Make It 6. Growing UP Healthy 7. Nature All Around Us 8. Moving On The Big Day program has a parent portal. Please take the information on the table home with you.

Founding Principles of BIG DAY Integrated Learning Language Development Social-Emotional Development Responsive Instruction Partner with Families

Supplemental Curriculum Handwriting Without Tears Roll a Dough letters Wood letter pieces Mat Mat Wet, Dry, Try Start letters at the top

Parent/Teacher Communication Newsletters Phone calls or Emails Student Progress Reports Curriculum Night, Conferences, Family Night

Progress Reports Conferences will be held in October for all students. You may also request a conference with a teacher at any time you have concerns. Parents will receive a written report of progress in January and May: Parents will either be receiving a Teaching Strategies Gold report and/or a progress report similar to the kindergarten report card.

Socialization and Discipline Be BIG in the classroom Clifford’s BIG ideas Redirection Individual work with children Safe spot/Clifford Corner

What’s In A Wednesday? Department of Education Trainings IEP meetings Progress reviews Staff development Team Planning District Preschool team meetings Transition meetings with kindergarten staff

Please sign your child in/out each day-first initial and last name State Licensure Procedural Requirements Arizona Department of Health Services Annual inspections Please sign your child in/out each day-first initial and last name DHS emergency contact record must be kept current

PTO President, Jennifer Thomas Next Meeting: 2nd Thursday of the Month What is the PTO? Parent Teacher Organization PTO supports School Events, Organizes Fundraisers, Plans Community Nights and supports the teachers with supplies, materials and funds professional development opportunities. Please consider joining PTO!!

Ways to Support Preschool Program Open lines of communication between parents and teachers Tax Credit donation or take form from your table See link on district web page www.kyrene.org Volunteer Guest reader Preparation work Donation of requested items Wish list Helping hands board Newsletter/list serve

Lomas Mission Statement At Kyrene de las Lomas, we are committed to teaching and assisting students to develop positive, productive attitudes and behaviors that will enable our students to be active learners and valued contributors to the school community. Motto: Our staff and students can never predict to what heights may soar, until first we spread our wings.