Assessment

First Step Preschool is designed to meet the needs of young children, ages 3-5, in an integrated setting. Both children with special needs and typically developing children are provided high quality educational services which accommodate individual needs and interests. The Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) is a federal law that assures children with disabilities a free and appropriate education in the least restrictive environment. Each classroom at First Step Preschool can accommodate 8 children who are identified as preschoolers with a disability and 4 typically developing children to serve as peer role models.

Preschoolers with special needs and typical peer models who participate in a center-based classroom attend according the following classroom schedule:

morning class: meets Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
8:20 - 10:50 AM
afternoon class: meets Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 11:50 AM - 2:20 PM

Preschool Children with a Disability

As defined by the Ohio Department of Education (Whose Idea is This?), these are children who are experiencing significant delays in one or more of the following critical areas and, for that reason, need special education and related services:

physical development: motor skills
cognitive development
communication development
social or emotional development
adaptive behavior: self-help skills

Typically Developing Peers

Because all children learn not only from adults, but from watching and interacting with other children, peer models are an important part of First Step Preschool. These children are 3, 4 and 5 year old youngsters without identified disabilites who provide social interaction and motivation for preschoolers with special needs. Peer models experience a positive and supportive learning environment which fosters self-confidence and an appreciation for diversity among people. They participate daily in activities which facilitate cognitive, language, motor and self-help skills as well as social/emotional growth. Peer models are eligible to attend First Step Preschool based on the following guidelines:

must reside in the Parma City School District
participate in a screening to determine eligibility
attend 4 days per week (2.5 hours - AM or PM class)
pay tuition (under $20 per week)
parent or guardian provides transportation

Assessment/Evaluation Procedures for Preschoolers with a Suspected Disability

A. Referral: At the preschool level, the parent(s) must initiate the referral for a child to be evaluated. The multi-factored evaluation team asks that parents be prepared to provide the following information. Written reports from other professionals can provide valuable information regarding the child's development:

child's current difficulties: is s/he having trouble understanding/using language, playing with friends/classmates, learning basic concepts such as colors, shapes, etc.?
child's medical history: was s/he born prematurely, is there a history of ear infections, does s/he have a medical diagnosis?
family history: are there siblings or other family members with identified disabilities?
educational history: has the child attended other programs where teachers have expressed concerns about his/her progress?

Parents are also required to register their child with the Parma City School District. In order for a child's evaluation to be scheduled, parents/guardians must provide the following information at the time of registration:

child's birth certificate
child's immunization records
child's social security number
proof of residency in the Parma City School District
custody papers if applicable

As part of the evaluation process, a Parma City School District medical evaluation form must be completed and signed by the child's physician.

B. Multi-factored Evaluation: A variety of procedures are used to determine if a child has a disability as well as the amount of special education and related services a child may need. Play-based assessment is an important part of the evaluation process although more formal assessment tools may be used. A school psychologist leads the evaluation team which is comprised of the parent(s) and any combination of the following related service staff: speech/language pathologist, occupational therapist, physical therapist, vision specialist, special education teacher, school nurse. Assessments are designed to:

evaluate the area(s) of suspected disability
accommodate the child's primary manner of communication

C. Evaluation Team Report: This written document provides parent(s) results from a child's multi-factored evaluation. A copy of this report is provided to parents at no cost through the Parma City School District. A member of the evaluation team arranges a meeting with parent(s) to review results from the completed evaluation. At this time the multifactored-evaluation team focuses on:

child's strengths and needs
child's eligibility to receive special education services

If your child qualifies as a preschooler with a disability, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) will be developed.