Special Needs Program at the Montville Integrated Preschool
Updated 10/22/08
Will my child interact only with children who have special needs?
No. At the Montville Integrated Preschool, we believe that all children benefit from interaction with children of a variety of abilities. In our program, we try to keep at least a 50-50 ratio of children with special needs to children with more typical development. Typically developing peers benefit from interaction with children with special needs as well!
How many children are in the class?
That depends on the time of year. We tend to start out with smaller classes in September. As the year progresses, children "age out" of the state's Birth to Three program. After a Planning and Placement Team (PPT) determines that a child is eligible for special education and related services, we provide necessary services as indicated in an Individualized Education Plan. As each child with special needs is placed in the program, a typical peer is also placed in the program.
What is the staff to student ratio?
That varies by the level of need in the classroom. Typically there is a teacher and one or two paraprofessionals in the classroom. There may be more adults at times in the event that more staffing is needed.
Once my child qualifies for the program, will he or she always be considered to have "special needs"?
The amount, length, and intensity of special needs programming are determined by need. Children can sometimes develop past the point of requiring special needs support. Other children may require support for a longer period of time. Students are re-evaluated every three years or sooner as necessary to determine continued eligibility.
Will my child have an aide just for him or her?
Individual paraprofessional support is reserved for children who require intensive and ongoing help for safety and learning reasons. It is important that all children become as independent as possible and have the chance to work on independence skills in a safe way.
Will my child participate in all the classroom activities?
To the greatest extent possible, all children participate in the preschool program activities. Some activities may be modified for those with special needs.