Early Childhood Education
I think for all parents school is something that is always at the front of your mind when your kids are young but maybe not always with a front row seat. And from what I’ve seen with our nieces and nephews it definitely moves to a front row VIP seat as they get older. We understand education looks different for everyone, especially as you move further down the road in your school journey. One thing we’ve said when every one of our girls were born, and will continue to say, is that we will support them in whatever education avenue they choose to take. And hopefully along the way we can teach them some street smarts and life skills from us (their lame old parents 😉).
We were initially informed about the amazing program offered through Carmel Clay School District from Camilla’s OT. When I had the idea to do a page about the program and approached Camilla’s teacher and speech therapist they were more then happy to help out! Camilla’s teacher told me it’s surprising how many parents don’t even know this program exists, even more of a reason to put the information out to more people. We are fortunate that Millie’s team at school is so passionate about what they do! The information below is specific to Carmel Clay School District HOWEVER I have learned that similar programs are offered in other towns/districts. So please don’t totally disregard this just because you aren’t in the area.
Please feel free to reach out with any questions and I will do whatever I can to get answers or point you in the right direction for resources. I will also be doing a follow up once Camilla is placed in her kindergarten class…we had a meeting recently and I learned so much about resources, process and what is available to help meet all different types of needs in children.
The EC Education program also has a Peer Friend program where "typically-developing" peers can join the classrooms to promote positive communication and relationships. So even if this program isn’t a fit for your child/someone you know check out the information on the peer program! It’s a great opportunity for a typical peers to strengthen a program like this acting as peer models in the areas of oral language, social skills and behavior. One of Camilla’s best buds is a participant in the peer program and I personally think it has helped her in so many ways. Their little friendship just makes my heart so happy to know that other families are teaching their kids to be inclusive on every level…between the stories I’m told and the interactions I’ve seen this peer is just so kind, sweet and genuine.
CARMEL CLAY EARLY
CHILDHOOD EDUCATION PROGRAM
EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION PROGRAM:
Carmel Clay Schools offers a continuum of services for children ages 3 to 5 who are eligible under Indiana’s special education rules. Carmel Clay Schools provides early childhood special education services to children with disabilities as determined by each child’s Individual Education Plan (IEP). Our early childhood classrooms are directed by a licensed special education teacher, and are supported by two instructional assistants. Specially trained therapists join each class throughout the week to deliver specialized services to students.
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PROCESS TO ENROLL:
The Carmel Early Childhood Assessment Team (CECAT) offers a free comprehensive diagnostic evaluation in a preschool classroom setting. The Early Childhood Speech and Language Pathologists offer a "speech only" evaluation for those families that are only concerned with their child's speech development.
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PROGRAMS OFFERED:
Special Education services are provided in a variety of settings appropriate to meet the needs of each child. Developmental preschool classrooms and "speech-only" sessions are examples. Currently Carmel has Early Childhood classrooms in four of our elementary schools. Cherry Tree, Clay Center Elementary, Forest Dale, and Smoky Row host our youngest learners in developmentally appropriate classrooms.
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PEER PROGRAM:
Peer Friends are "typically-developing" peers who join our classrooms to promote positive communication and relationships and have fun! Typical peers help to strengthen our program by acting as peer models in the areas of oral language, social skills and behavior. Peers are fully integrated members of the class and are provided a research based preschool curriculum. We are looking for children ages 3-5 who are already comfortable in a school environment. Applicants must reside within the Carmel Clay Schools boundaries and parents must be able to provide transportation. (Contact me for enrollment information)
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PROGRAM OVERVIEW
EARLY CHILDHOOD CLASSROOMS:
When students qualify for one of our Early Childhood classrooms, their classrooms are led by a special education teacher. Classrooms also have two instructional assistants. Depending on the year classrooms can have between 7-15 students, with room to grow as students qualify throughout the school year. The Early Childhood classrooms have two different classes. The AM class attends from 7:40-10:20 with students who have just turned 3 and go up to age 4. The PM class attends from 11:50-2:25 with students between the age of 4-5.
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EARLY CHILDHOOD THERAPISTS:
Students in our early childhood program have access to speech, occupational, and physical therapists as deemed necessary in their IEP. These therapists work closely with the classroom staff to ensure that areas of fine motor, gross motor, speech, and language are embedded throughout the week even when the therapists are not in the classroom. Therapists are able to push into the early childhood classroom to work with students in their natural environment and ensure that they are able to access all areas of the classroom and playground.
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EARLY CHILDHOOD CURRICULUM:
The Early Childhood classrooms recently adopted a new curriculum called Frog Street. This curriculum is a comprehensive, dual-language program designed to meet the needs of diverse learners while supporting developmental learning domains. This engaging, interactive pre-kindergarten curriculum celebrates the joy of learning as children travel down the road to success. This curriculum is used in both AM and PM classes.
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ONGOING ASSESSMENT:
Within the curriculum, teachers engage in a process of ongoing assessment to celebrate progress and identify student learning needs. Throughout the year, formative assessment evidence is gathered for a variety of skills and competencies to assist teachers in planning next-steps learning opportunities that are responsive to student needs and aligned with developmental and curricular expectations. Curriculum-based measures, developmental checklists and rubrics, anecdotal notes, and examples of student work create a rich collection of evidence documenting student progress towards meaningful outcomes.
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FOCUS ON THE WHOLE CHILD:
We recognize that each child is a unique person with an individual pattern of developmental timing and growth. Factors such as personality, learning style, life experiences, and family background work together to shape each child into a unique and valued member of the classroom community, where cooperation and acceptance are the norm.
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ACTIVE, MEANINGFUL LEARNING:
Young children learn most effectively through a concrete, play-oriented approach. Their learning and development occur throughout daily activities and routines that are meaningful and engaging. Emphasis is placed on activities that encourage self-directed play and active exploration.
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