Is the preschool program a Head Start Program?
Hardin County Schools offers a state funded preschool program for every elementary school. This is not a Head Start program. However, at two of our elementary schools (New Highland and North Park) we have what is called a
blended preschool program. The preschool programs in these schools are partially funded and staffed by both Hardin County Schools' teachers (funded by the state) and the Head Start preschool program. Although not all children in these schools will qualify for the Head Start Program, all of the children benefit from blended services. These services include dental screenings and additional opportunities for family intervention.
Will I be able to meet with my child’s teacher as he/she begins school?
Home visits are made as your child begins school. This is the time for you to share with your child’s teacher goals and concerns you have for your child. Your child’s teacher will also do a home visit at the end of the school year to
share progress and information about your child’s program the next year. As the needs arise, there may be more home visits throughout the year.
How will I know what is happening in my child’s classroom?
Your child’s teacher will schedule a conference in the middle of the school year (late January-Mid March). During
this conference, your child’s teacher will share your child’s strengths and set goals in your child’s area to grow.You
are encouraged to contact your child’s teacher at anytime you would like information regarding progress.
What other ways can I be involved with the school?
You will have input into workshops that will be offered in your child’s preschool classroom one Friday per month.
You can attend other parent workshops at different times throughout the school year through your Family
Resource Center. Various parent support groups are also available.
You can be active in your schools Parent Teacher Organization and have input in your school’s Site Based Council.
How does the program impact early childhood education?
The Hardin County School Early Childhood Program is successfully preparing children for school by providing opportunities for them to develop school readiness skills in an environment that encourages children to have fun while learning.
Research shows that children that attend high-quality preschool programs help children develop social and pre-academic skills that will help them succeed in kindergarten and throughout their educational experience.
What steps do you take to ensure “quality”?
All preschool classrooms in the Hardin County School District work hard to ensure“quality”. All classrooms use the (ECRERS) Environmental Rating Revised scale to monitor their classroom environment as well as guidelines from NAEYC and the Kentucky Self Study.
Other points that demonstrate “quality”.
*Second Steps Violence Prevention Program used in every preschool classroom
Therapist, Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments and, Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing) through a
transdisciplinary team approach
HIGH EXPECTATIONS
*Preschool Curriculum Guides, designed by Hardin County Schools Preschool Teachers, are aligned with the Early
Childhood Standards.
*The Creative Curriculum Teaching Strategies Gold is the assessment instrument used with all preschool children.
IEP goals are developed from this tool.
*A Progress Summary is used to communicate with parents their child's strength and plan goals for each child in
every developmental area.
COLLABORATION
*Preschool classrooms facilitate collaboration and smooth transition with primary program
*Collaboration through a blended program with Head Start in 2 elementary schools
*Every classroom has collaborative programs with their own family resource center
COMMUNITY CONNECTION
*Free developmental screening offered monthly to families of 3 and 4 year old children in the Hardin County Schools
community
*Successful Child Find Recruitment Campaign throughout the county.
I have a special needs child; will my child be in a special class?
The Hardin County Schools’ Preschool Program is designed to include and meet the needs of children across a wide range of abilities in a full inclusion setting. We have found (supported by research) all children benefit and learn from each other. Unless a child’s IEP requires otherwise, children with disabilities are educated in the classroom with typically developing peers.
Am I responsible for bringing my child to school each day?
During the ARC meeting (Admission and Release Committee), transportation for your child will be discussed. At that time it will be decided if your child is able to ride the bus with his/her preschool peers or if special transportation will be needed. We will see that your child is safely transported to and from school each day.
My child needs the help of different therapists. What is available in the Hardin County Preschool Program?
The preschool teacher is dually certified in general education and special education. He/She will provide specially designed instruction to meet each child's special education needs. Children learn when their goals become part of their everyday world. Therapists work in collaboration with the classroom staff to make sure each child’s goals are embedded into their daily routine. This helps the child to practice daily and accomplish his/her goals. Speech-Language therapists provide services to children with speech/language disabilities. The physical therapist provides services to children with physical disabilities while the occupational therapist serves children with fine motor and sensory disabilities. Teachers of students with visual impairments works with children that have been identified as visually impaired and the teacher of the deaf and hard of hearing serves children that are identified as hearing impaired. Within some elementary schools, children in preschool also receive extra assistance from the Title I staff to assist with various cognitive and language goals.
Are there opportunities for me to learn from other parents?
Each elementary school has a Family Resource Center. The centers provide opportunities for parent education and support groups. Each preschool classroom also has a parent workshop each month.
What steps are taken to help transition my child to preschool and then to kindergarten for my child be less stressful?
We view change and transition as a process not an event. Whether your child is just entering preschool or preparing for kindergarten, our staff continually works to ensure that the transition will be smooth and successful.If your child is 3 years old and not ready for a full 4 day experience, the program is modified to meet your child’s needs.Throughout the school year, activities are planned to move your child closer to a successful transition.
Hardin County Schools offers a state funded preschool program for every elementary school. This is not a Head Start program. However, at two of our elementary schools (New Highland and North Park) we have what is called a
blended preschool program. The preschool programs in these schools are partially funded and staffed by both Hardin County Schools' teachers (funded by the state) and the Head Start preschool program. Although not all children in these schools will qualify for the Head Start Program, all of the children benefit from blended services. These services include dental screenings and additional opportunities for family intervention.
Will I be able to meet with my child’s teacher as he/she begins school?
Home visits are made as your child begins school. This is the time for you to share with your child’s teacher goals and concerns you have for your child. Your child’s teacher will also do a home visit at the end of the school year to
share progress and information about your child’s program the next year. As the needs arise, there may be more home visits throughout the year.
How will I know what is happening in my child’s classroom?
- Your child’s teacher will make frequent contacts through monthly classroom newsletters and individual notes. Phone contacts are also made.
Parents are encouraged to frequently observe in the classroom, spend time volunteering or have lunch with their child. Parents are always welcome and invited to assist on field trips and special activities.
Your child’s teacher will schedule a conference in the middle of the school year (late January-Mid March). During
this conference, your child’s teacher will share your child’s strengths and set goals in your child’s area to grow.You
are encouraged to contact your child’s teacher at anytime you would like information regarding progress.
What other ways can I be involved with the school?
You will have input into workshops that will be offered in your child’s preschool classroom one Friday per month.
You can attend other parent workshops at different times throughout the school year through your Family
Resource Center. Various parent support groups are also available.
You can be active in your schools Parent Teacher Organization and have input in your school’s Site Based Council.
How does the program impact early childhood education?
The Hardin County School Early Childhood Program is successfully preparing children for school by providing opportunities for them to develop school readiness skills in an environment that encourages children to have fun while learning.
Research shows that children that attend high-quality preschool programs help children develop social and pre-academic skills that will help them succeed in kindergarten and throughout their educational experience.
What steps do you take to ensure “quality”?
All preschool classrooms in the Hardin County School District work hard to ensure“quality”. All classrooms use the (ECRERS) Environmental Rating Revised scale to monitor their classroom environment as well as guidelines from NAEYC and the Kentucky Self Study.
Other points that demonstrate “quality”.
*Second Steps Violence Prevention Program used in every preschool classroom
- *Augmentative communication and assistive technology provided for all preschool children in need
Therapist, Teacher of Students with Visual Impairments and, Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing) through a
transdisciplinary team approach
HIGH EXPECTATIONS
*Preschool Curriculum Guides, designed by Hardin County Schools Preschool Teachers, are aligned with the Early
Childhood Standards.
*The Creative Curriculum Teaching Strategies Gold is the assessment instrument used with all preschool children.
IEP goals are developed from this tool.
*A Progress Summary is used to communicate with parents their child's strength and plan goals for each child in
every developmental area.
COLLABORATION
*Preschool classrooms facilitate collaboration and smooth transition with primary program
*Collaboration through a blended program with Head Start in 2 elementary schools
*Every classroom has collaborative programs with their own family resource center
COMMUNITY CONNECTION
*Free developmental screening offered monthly to families of 3 and 4 year old children in the Hardin County Schools
community
*Successful Child Find Recruitment Campaign throughout the county.
I have a special needs child; will my child be in a special class?
The Hardin County Schools’ Preschool Program is designed to include and meet the needs of children across a wide range of abilities in a full inclusion setting. We have found (supported by research) all children benefit and learn from each other. Unless a child’s IEP requires otherwise, children with disabilities are educated in the classroom with typically developing peers.
Am I responsible for bringing my child to school each day?
During the ARC meeting (Admission and Release Committee), transportation for your child will be discussed. At that time it will be decided if your child is able to ride the bus with his/her preschool peers or if special transportation will be needed. We will see that your child is safely transported to and from school each day.
My child needs the help of different therapists. What is available in the Hardin County Preschool Program?
The preschool teacher is dually certified in general education and special education. He/She will provide specially designed instruction to meet each child's special education needs. Children learn when their goals become part of their everyday world. Therapists work in collaboration with the classroom staff to make sure each child’s goals are embedded into their daily routine. This helps the child to practice daily and accomplish his/her goals. Speech-Language therapists provide services to children with speech/language disabilities. The physical therapist provides services to children with physical disabilities while the occupational therapist serves children with fine motor and sensory disabilities. Teachers of students with visual impairments works with children that have been identified as visually impaired and the teacher of the deaf and hard of hearing serves children that are identified as hearing impaired. Within some elementary schools, children in preschool also receive extra assistance from the Title I staff to assist with various cognitive and language goals.
Are there opportunities for me to learn from other parents?
Each elementary school has a Family Resource Center. The centers provide opportunities for parent education and support groups. Each preschool classroom also has a parent workshop each month.
What steps are taken to help transition my child to preschool and then to kindergarten for my child be less stressful?
We view change and transition as a process not an event. Whether your child is just entering preschool or preparing for kindergarten, our staff continually works to ensure that the transition will be smooth and successful.If your child is 3 years old and not ready for a full 4 day experience, the program is modified to meet your child’s needs.Throughout the school year, activities are planned to move your child closer to a successful transition.