The Early Childhood Program is designed to:
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Meet the developmental needs of young children who are hearing, Deaf, hard-of-hearing, apraxic, or have other communication disorders, from age two and a half to five years old.
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Provide experiences that enrich and enhance each child's language, cognitive, social, emotional, physical and creative development.
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Educate students who need special methods of communication in a safe, value-oriented environment.
Within our daily schedule, each child will be exposed to:
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Opportunities to create, explore, learn problem solving, and experience personal interaction skills.
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Educational concepts presented through developmentally appropriate play and the Montessori curriculum in the preschool classrooms.
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Through a balance of self and teacher directed activities, an opportunity to develop a positive self-concept and social communication skills.
Through our carefully selected teaching staff, students will be provided with:
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Supportive, nurturing, warm, and responsive care with attention to each child's needs.
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Positive role models of both Deaf and hearing degreed teachers and licensed teaching assistants.
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Exposure and immersion in both sign language and spoken English.
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The means to communicate freely and directly with everyone in their school environment.
Step Up to Quality:
Our program is licensed by the Ohio Department of Education and is a Five-Star Step Up To Quality rated program. Step Up To Quality is Ohio's raiting system for learning and development programs. Our Five-Star rating shows that we are committed to providing early childhood opportunities that meet a variety of high quality standards set by the state.
Max. Class Size (Transition to Preschool):
- 14 children ages 2 1/2 and up; 1 classroom
- Student Ratio:
- 50% children with communication disabilities (including apraxia of speech or autism)
- 50% typical developing hearing children
Max. Class Size (Montessori Preschool):
- 16 children, ages 3-5 years old; 2 classrooms
- Student Ratio:
- 50% children with communication disabilities (including apraxia of speech or autism)
- 50% typical developing hearing children
Max. Class Size (Deaf and Hard-of-Hearing Preschool):
- 10 children, ages 3-5 years old; 1 classroom
Staff Ratio:
- Approximately 1 teacher/teacher's assistant to every 4-5 students
In order to meet the individual needs of our students, our program has a significantly lower student to teacher ratio than most programs. This allows the teaching staff to provide more individualized instruction and support to students throughout the school day.