Kyrene Preschool Program at Las Lomas Kyrene School District 2014-2015

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

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

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.

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

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 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.

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

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

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

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

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 Placement meetings Progress reviews Staff development Team Planning District 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 Yellow emergency contact record must be kept current

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!!

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

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.