1. Kyrene Preschool Program at Las Lomas
Kyrene School District

2. 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 from SDSU
M.A. Communication Disorders USD
CCC-SLP from ASHA
Instructional Assistants
Karen D’Antonio
Liane Calderon
A.A. in Fine Arts from 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 from SDSU
M.A. Communication Disorders USD
CCC-SLP from ASHA
Instructional Assistants
Betty Plate
Becky Herzberg
B.A. Graphic Arts from Cal. Poly Pamoma

3. District Specialists Director of Special Education Shari Dukes
Lead Preschool Teacher
Lori Conroy
Administrative Assistant
Becky Lugo
Occupational Therapist
Lisa Starzetski, CODA
Physical Therapist
Kerry Burd
Assistive Technology Specialist
Hannah Jones- AT Teacher Specialist
Janet Fukuda- AT Assistant

4. 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 during center time
Consults with preschool staff on ways to support speech and language skills throughout the day.

5. Staff Ratio and Hours
Each day there are three adults for approximately 18 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

6. 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.

7. 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.
Children learn by imitation, therefore “typical” peers are an integral part of the program.
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.

8. Typical Daily Schedule
Meet and Greet
Calendar/Music/Movement
Big Experience (Large Group—Stories/Concepts)
Center Time
Includes small groups,
center choices, individual
work with teacher
Circle Time (Big Experiences—Stories/Concepts)
Snack Time
Outside Time
Recall/Closing

9. Classroom Centers Creativity/Art Center/Sensory Table
Reading and Listening Center
Manipulative/Math Center
Science/Nature Center
Dramatic Play Center
Music Center
Writing Center
Blocks and Building Center
Technology—Computer Center

10. Role of Typical Peer
Provide appropriate models for speech and language, behavior, etc.
Develop friendships and love of learning
Participate cooperatively in a variety of pre-academic activities during which they experience many opportunities for personal growth

11. 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

12. 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.

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

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

15. 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.

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

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

18. 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
Yellow emergency contact record must be kept current

19. PTO President, Jennifer Thomas
Next Meeting: Monday, September 8th at 6:00 PM
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!!

20. 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
Volunteer
Guest reader
Preparation work
Donation of requested items
Wish list
Helping hands board
Newsletter/list serve

21. Las 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.