1. Macon County Preschool Programs 2012-2013 Amy Anders, Preschool Coordinator

2. A Nurturing Environment for Every Child

3.  School systems are required to provide special education services when a child with a disability turns three years old  We provide classroom based services in private daycares, in church preschools, in homes, in our classrooms, and in our preschool office currently located in Iotla Valley Elementary  These services include special education, speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and vision services  Special Recognition for David Rusch and Marcia Cummings Children with Disabilities

4.  We have had NC Pre-K funding in our county for several years  This has provided an opportunity for children who are four years of age and ‘at- risk’ an opportunity to attend a state funded preschool to get ready for Kindergarten  We have one dedicated NC Pre-K Classroom at Cartoogechaye Elementary  Special Recognition for Dale Honey and Angela Bowen NC Pre-K (formerly known as More @ Four)

5.  As our county has grown and our population of children with special needs has grown, we’ve needed more appropriate and efficient ways to provide comprehensive services to our preschool children with disabilities  The conversation started about five years ago  Paula Ledford, EC Director, was willing to address the need. HELP….

6. The Answer!

7.  Funding includes:  Developmental Day for students with disabilities  NC Pre-K is income based and for children determined to be at risk  Private Pay offered first to school employees and spots are offered for $325 per month (much less than other preschools in the area)  This year we will hopefully generate funds to cover the cost of our classrooms, including salaries. Blended Funding Classrooms

8.  One classroom at South Macon Elementary  One classroom at Iotla Valley Elementary  Second classroom opening at Iotla Valley Elementary in January  We implement a 1 teacher to 6 children ratio  We aim for a ratio of 50% children with disabilities and 50% children who are typically functioning  Children with disabilities cover a wide spectrum Classrooms

9.  Developmental Day and NC Pre K classes are held at the highest standard of license by the Division of Child Development and require a minimum of a 4 star ECERS rating.  Licensing is a very rigorous process and we appreciate the help of Kara Jones with Division of Child Development, the building and food inspectors from the Health Department, the principals and APs that have helped get the classrooms and playgrounds ready, and mostly the staff in the classrooms that have gone the extra mile to make sure we meet all of the requirements in such a short period of time. Licensure

10.  South Macon Special Recognition: Meagan Rogers, Stephanie Kinsland, Amanda Cochran, Melinda Carpenter---  They recently received a score of 6.32 from ECERS (state star-licensing organization)  Iotla Valley Special Recognition: Sheena Hughes, Kim Stanley, Jamie Mingacci, and Anna Houston  They will be assessed by ECERS after Christmas Break Classrooms

11.  Teachers are implementing curriculum and tracking progress for all children  IEP goals are being targeted for children with disabilities  Optimal collaboration with speech therapists, occupational therapists and physical therapists to create a maximum learning environment  Every child benefits! Successful Preschool Interactions for All Children!

12. Some of the children receive dual funding from DD and NC Pre K  Cartoogechaye- 18 NC Prek slots  South Macon- 18 children---6 Private Pay, 8 DD, 4 NC PreK  IVE- 16 children—5 DD, 5 private pay, 6 NC Prek  New Classroom opening January 7 with 11 NC Pre K, 2- 3 Developmental Day slots Current Status

13.  If you would like more information, feel free to contact me!  Amy Anders, Preschool Coordinator  828-524-2938  828-342-0798  amy.anders@macon.k12.nc.us Video and Questions