Macon County Preschool Programs

1. Macon County Preschool Programs 2012-2013 Amy Anders, Preschool Coordinator

2. A Nurturing Environment for Every Child

3. Children with Disabilities School systems are required to provide special education services when a child with a disability turns three years old We provide classroom based services in private daycares, in church preschools, in homes, in our classrooms, and in our preschool office currently located in Iotla Valley Elementary These services include special education, speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and vision services Special Recognition for David Rusch and Marcia Cummings

4. NC Pre-K (formerly known as More @ Four) We have had NC Pre-K funding in our county for several years This has provided an opportunity for children who are four years of age and ‘at- risk’ an opportunity to attend a state funded preschool to get ready for Kindergarten We have one dedicated NC Pre-K Classroom at Cartoogechaye Elementary Special Recognition for Dale Honey and Angela Bowen

5. HELP…. As our county has grown and our population of children with special needs has grown, we’ve needed more appropriate and efficient ways to provide comprehensive services to our preschool children with disabilities The conversation started about five years ago Paula Ledford, EC Director, was willing to address the need.

6. The Answer!

7. Blended Funding Classrooms Funding includes: Developmental Day for students with disabilities NC Pre-K is income based and for children determined to be at risk Private Pay offered first to school employees and spots are offered for $325 per month (much less than other preschools in the area) This year we will hopefully generate funds to cover the cost of our classrooms, including salaries.

8. Classrooms One classroom at South Macon Elementary One classroom at Iotla Valley Elementary Second classroom opening at Iotla Valley Elementary in January We implement a 1 teacher to 6 children ratio We aim for a ratio of 50% children with disabilities and 50% children who are typically functioning Children with disabilities cover a wide spectrum

9. Licensure Developmental Day and NC Pre K classes are held at the highest standard of license by the Division of Child Development and require a minimum of a 4 star ECERS rating. Licensing is a very rigorous process and we appreciate the help of Kara Jones with Division of Child Development, the building and food inspectors from the Health Department, the principals and APs that have helped get the classrooms and playgrounds ready, and mostly the staff in the classrooms that have gone the extra mile to make sure we meet all of the requirements in such a short period of time.

10. Classrooms • South Macon Special Recognition: Meagan Rogers, Stephanie Kinsland, Amanda Cochran, Melinda Carpenter--- • They recently received a score of 6.32 from ECERS (state star-licensing organization) • Iotla Valley Special Recognition: Sheena Hughes, Kim Stanley, Jamie Mingacci, and Anna Houston • They will be assessed by ECERS after Christmas Break

11. Successful Preschool Interactions for All Children! Teachers are implementing curriculum and tracking progress for all children IEP goals are being targeted for children with disabilities Optimal collaboration with speech therapists, occupational therapists and physical therapists to create a maximum learning environment Every child benefits!

12. Current Status Some of the children receive dual funding from DD and NC Pre K Cartoogechaye- 18 NC Prek slots South Macon- 18 children---6 Private Pay, 8 DD, 4 NC PreK IVE- 16 children—5 DD, 5 private pay, 6 NC Prek New Classroom opening January 7 with 11 NC Pre K, 2-3 Developmental Day slots

13. Video and Questions • If you would like more information, feel free to contact me! • Amy Anders, Preschool Coordinator • 828-524-2938 • 828-342-0798 • amy.anders@macon.k12.nc.us