Union Ridge Early Childhood Programs

All children 3-5 (but not eligible for kindergarten) are possible candidates for our Early Childhood Program. Students enter the program through a developmental screening process and are determined to be at-risk or may enter the program with an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Our school has three programs: Early Childhood PFA, Blended Early Childhood and Early Childhood Special Education.

PRESCHOOL FOR ALL

Union Ridge School offers a free, half-day early childhood program for children aged three to five. This is a nationally recognized, high quality program with experienced teachers and low student to teacher ratios designed to allow children to learn, explore, and grow in a group setting. Numerous studies point to the importance of early education experiences in childhood development. Our high quality, half-day preschool program gives children the best possible start for future success in the primary grades. Students enrolled have opportunity to explore numerous, high quality early learning activities in language and literacy, math, science, music and art. We encourage parents to volunteer, attend parent-child workshops, and visit classes. The Early Childhood program always fills-up quickly. Students need to be three by the beginning of school, but parents of children with fall birthdays are encouraged to sign-up now. Numbers are limited, and spaces are filled throughout the year as openings arise. To enroll your child in the Early Childhood Program, please stop-by the office between hours of 10:00 - 12:30 pm and 2:00- 3:00 PM. All children must complete a screening process prior to enrollment. Screening for the beginning of the next school year occurs the prior spring. Parents should place their children on the screening list as soon as possible. Please feel free to contact the office for more information. We look forward to seeing your little ones soon!

BLENDED PROGRAM

The Union Ridge Early Childhood Blended program provides opportunities for structured and spontaneous play. The curriculum is play-based and progressive, with a focus on pre-academics. A blended class includes students with special needs and children typically developing. Our program is designed to nurture the development of children in areas of language, physical skills, social skills and pre academics. During the school day, students have access to developmentally appropriate activities with support from our experienced teachers, paraprofessionals and related service providers.

SELF-CONTAINED

The Union Ridge Early Childhood Self- Contained program services students with moderate-to-severe communication, social-emotional, and sensory needs. These students have a high need for adult support, individualized instruction, and alternative communication, language, and/or behavior systems.Related Services are integrated into the classroom. The program is structured to provide learning experiences through multi- domains and is individualized to students needs.

ASSESSMENTS:

Union Ridge School District 86 uses the BRIGANCE Screener. This early childhood screening and assessment inventories uses observation, interviews, and child performance to pinpoint understanding in the domains tied to early development and school. Test content aligns to the Common Core and many state-specific learning standards to equip educators with familiar information to fit their existing framework.