Beaufort County Preschool Program Annual Title I Stakeholders Meeting 5/23/19 ETC 9:00-12:00

How are Children Selected? Mass screenings are conducted each spring at ETC, NES, SWS Parents provide proof of residency, proof of income, immunization records, child’s birth certificate. Parents complete an application and a questionnaire on their child’s overall development. Children receive vision and hearing screenings Motor, concepts, language and behavioral observations are scored on the DIAL-4 to provide a Multi-Criteria Score Exit interviews are conducted with the parents of each child This data is also used to make decisions on which children need preschool to be successful.

How many Preschool Slots are there? 80 NCPK 70 Title I 30 Slots for children with special needs ___ 180 in all

When Do Parents Find Out If Their Child Has a Preschool Slot? Letters are sent out for all Title I and NC Preschool slots in June. Parents of Exceptional Children may learn of placement earlier at an IEP team meeting.

What Curriculum is Used in BCS Preschool Classrooms? The Creative Curriculum is a state approved curriculum for preschool students that is widely used. It focuses on allowing children to learn by experience within a well set up and facilitated classroom. There are five areas of development, as follows: 1. Social Emotional Development 2. Physical Development 3. Language Development 4. Cognitive Development 5. Literacy

How is PK Similar to the K-12 Program? -PK follows the BCS calendar but starts after Labor Day to incorporate home visits -Bus Transportation is available -Breakfast and Lunch is provided -Parent participation is encouraged -Consistent daily attendance is encouraged -Parents must sign in at the school office -PK follows the 9 week reporting period -Children with Individualized Education Plans receive specialized instruction during the school day. -Parents must provide current contact information.

How is PK different from Kindergarten -Preschool have blended classrooms with slots funded by the Exceptional Children’s Program, NC PK and Title I. -Our preschool program uses the Creative Curriculum, not NC Department of Education’s Standards. -Preschool teachers measure individual children’s growth and development with Teaching Strategies Gold Assessments. (Not End of Grade Testing) -Preschool children have a nap or quiet time. -Preschool teachers use Social Emotional Foundation of Early Learning.(See handout) -Classrooms follow the Early Childhood Environmental Rating Scale (ECERS-R) guidelines Allotments per class: NPPK -9 TITLE I -6 at EES, CPS and NES. 18 at SWS( Total of 70 for the system) EC-3

What is ECERS-R and the Star Rating Scale All About? In order to provide care and education that will permit children to experience a high quality of life while helping them develop their abilities, a quality program must provide for the three basic needs all children have: 1. Protection of their health and safety 2. Building positive relationships 3. Opportunities for stimulation and learning from experience

What Does the ECERS-R Scales Focus on? Space and Furnishings Personal Care Routines Language-Reasoning Activities Interactions Program Structure Parents and Staff

Questions?

Beaufort County School Preschool Coordinator Contact Information Catherine Tahaney 315 Smaw Dr. Washington, NC Phone: 252-940-6595 Fax: 252-940-1137