Teays Valley Preschool Program
A preschool program is offered at the three elementary schools in the
Teays Valley School District. This program is for children with special
needs. Although there are a few spots for regular education students,
these spots fill up quickly.
Philosophy
The Early Childhood Special Education Program is child-centered and devoted to meeting each child’s unique needs. We strive to provide a safe and nurturing environment in which to foster each child’s cognitive, social, emotional and motor development.
We believe that children learn best through meaningful play. Learning is encouraged through selected play activities appropriate for each child’s age and development level. Skills are integrated across activities. Teachers serve as facilitators to guide children in interactions with the various learning opportunities. Activities are primarily child-oriented and child-directed.
Parent Involvement
As the most important people in a child’s life, parents are encouraged to participate in learning experiences. Classroom advisory boards, parent-teacher conferences, parent workshops and socials are ways in which the family and school work together to fulfill the partnership in which we so strongly believe.
Center Based Classrooms
Classrooms are divided into interest centers such as art, dramatic play, block building, manipulative, sensory and language. Materials and activities at each interest center are individualized for the children, Busy activities alternate with quiet time, and children also meet as a group with the teacher for planned activity. Self-help activities are also addressed. Through play and self-initiated learning, the children refine the motor, thinking and language skills necessary for success in school. Field trips, special programs and additional staff in the elementary building provide extra enrichment in music, art, computer literacy and physical education.
Students
The three to five-year-old children served by the preschool reflect the makeup of the general population. This diversity helps to build a foundation of compassion and acceptance toward a variety of people. Included are:
• Typical peers who operate at a level of most children their age
• Children with development delays that may affect speech or communication, muscular coordination, hearing, sight development or social/behavioral development
Staff
A state certified teacher and educational assistant lead each class. Children with special needs receive additional support from speech/language, occupational and physical therapists within the classroom setting. Specific goals are developed for each child by the team, and children may work individually or in groups. All children in the program benefit from interaction with the therapists as they work collaboratively with staff on overall program goals and objectives.
Class Sizes & Hours
Children attend half-day sessions, which are 2.5 hours long. Each class has 12 students of mixed ages (3-5 years). The preschool follows the normal nine-month school schedule, and regular holidays are observed.
Cost
There is no fee for special needs children whose admission is determined by state and local criteria. Peers pay tuition - $75 per month.
Itinerant Services
Certified teachers are available to serve children with disabilities in the child’s familiar environment, whether that be Head Start, home or child care settings. Through play and individualized attention, the child’s goals are addressed individually or within a group.
Contacts
Angie Overholt Preschool Special Needs Coordinator
740.474.7529
740.474.7251 (fax)
angieoverholt@hotmail.com
Ashville Elementary
Christy Rigsby
90 Walnut Street
Ashville, Ohio 43103
740.983.5000 ext. 3119
crigsby@tvsd.us
Scioto Elementary
Lin Dawson
20 West Scioto Street
Commercial Point, Ohio 43116
740.983.5000 ext. 6101
ldawson@tvsd.us
South Bloomfield
Andi Ward-Burrow
194 Dowler Drive
South Bloomfield, Ohio 43103
740.983.5000 ext. 4101
award@tvsd.us
Walnut Elementary
Janelle Smith
7150 Ashville-Fairfield Road
Ashville, OH 43103
740.983.5000 ext.
jmsmith@tvsd.us