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Strafford Learning Center
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Providing specialized educational programs and services to the children and youth who are a special part of our journey together.
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PRESCHOOL EDUCATION PROGRAM (PEP)
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Our current preschool program utilizes an integrative approach to early childhood education for children with educational disabilities, as well as typical children ages 3 through 5. Our goal is to enhance the total development of the children in a stimulating, caring, and educationally appropriate environment.
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Young children learn best when developmental and content areas are integrated. Children with disabilities often need additional support to gain skills in these areas. To provide this support, we use a multidisciplinary team approach.
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The team consists of early childhood special educators, a speech/language pathologist, occupational and physical therapists, a psychologist, para-educators, and a program coordinator. Members of the team assume both traditional and non-traditional responsibilities. Utilizing the strategy of role release, the staff takes advantage of naturally occurring and meaningful activities to provide support and intervention throughout the course of the school day.
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Ongoing communication between parents and staff is an integral part of our program. Informal discussions, as well as formal meetings, encourage relationships that result in a coordinated approach to meeting each child's individual educational needs.
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This preschool model has been developed to meet the needs of young children in one of our member districts. Strafford Learning Center professionals can assist any district with the implementation and administration of a dynamic preschool program.
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EARLY CHILDHOOD SPECIAL EDUCATION CONSULTATIVE SERVICES
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When an identified preschooler is placed in a community-based preschool, special education services may be made available to the program. These services may include, but are not limited to, case management, direct service, consultation, and participation in team meetings. Early childhood special educators with experience in teaching, consultation, applied behavior analysis, and assessment, provide these services.
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Strafford Learning Center maintains an extensive resource library, available to both parents and professionals. This library includes books, videos, equipment and testing materials useful in the field of early childhood special education.
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