Preschool Program:
Carman Road Preschool

The Carman Road Preschool provides a success oriented, well-equipped, barrier free environment which nurtures physical and cognitive skill development. The school's multidisciplinary team designs strategies to achieve the goals and objectives established in each student's Individual Education Plan (IEP). Traditional educational methods are used in conjunction with state-of-the-art technology to provide stimulating programs for early learners.

In each classroom, students participate in a curriculum that stresses language, social, emotional, and cognitive skills to address each child's unique individual needs. Communication skills are reinforced throughout the school day in an engineered aided language environment, which uses visual strategies and assistive technology. Classroom activities stress readiness skills and encourage the growth of skills needed in activities of daily living, such as feeding and dressing. Social skills are developed in structured activities and free play. Individual and group projects including crafts, sensory and tabletop activities help to develop motor and learning skills. All activities are adapted to meet youngsters' varied physical and cognitive abilities and needs. Experiential learning, through exploration, manipulation, imitation, and socialization, are keys to successful skill acquisition.

Program staff includes special education teachers and teacher aides skilled in educating young students with multiple disabilities. Support services are provided by physical and occupational therapists, speech therapists, school nursing staff, a consulting physician, school psychologists, and school social worker. Interdisciplinary meetings are held with the total educational team and administration to discuss the needs of each child.

Led by a highly trained Assistive Technology staff, our Learning Center Computer Labs are the hub of the Carman Road School curriculum, where students have opportunities to master the use of assistive technology, adapted computers, specialized software, touch screens, and switches. Smartboards, touchscreens, iPods, and web-based learning lessons are shared within our two Learning Centers. In addition, computers are available in all classrooms, providing continuity and enriching the instructional program.

An interdisciplinary team develops strategies and methods to meet the goals and objectives established on the students' IEP. Students receive physical, occupational and speech therapies, both within and outside of the classroom setting as prescribed in their IEP. This philosophy provides students opportunities to integrate their skills in an authentic setting.

A well-equipped, accessible greenhouse supports our Environment Education program where students care for plants, turtles and fish. Experiential learning using technology and traditional materials merge the areas of science, social students and art. This innovative program also develops self-esteem, creativity, socialization and personal growth.

The newly renovated Gymnasium provides opportunities for our students to further develop their motor skills. Adapted physical education teachers develop unique activities to promote health and fitness activities for each student.

The Music program offers a variety of musical and motor movement activities. Students are given opportunities to sing, move and use instruments via hand or switch access. Skills such as following directions, spatial orientation, sequencing and body awareness are encouraged through interactive music activities.

Parents are an active participant in the education process. Opportunities are available to visit their child's classroom and related services sessions. Members of the multidisciplinary team interface with parents throughout the school year. Parents are encouraged to join our Parent Teacher Association, attend discussion groups and to participate in the development of their child's IEP.

Related services are delivered as outlined in each youngster's IEP and students are seen in individual or small group sessions. Sessions are delivered in the classroom, therapy areas, or specialized instruction areas.

Occupational Therapy services provide students with opportunities to maintain, improve and develop fine motor, sensory and activities of daily living skills. Physical Therapy services focus on improving students gross motor skills, strength, endurance, balance, coordination and positioning. Students utilize a variety of specialized, adapted equipment such as standers, tricycles and gait trainers. An assistive technology room, staffed by specially trained physical therapists is available to address the student's wheelchair and orthotics needs.

Speech and language therapy services are provided using an individual and/or group model. Communication skills are taught and reinforced throughout the day using a variety of strategies and methods. Visual strategies, aided language, engineered environments, objects, picture symbols, and augmentative communication devices are explored to ensure that each child optimizes their communication ability. Close communication between speech and classroom staff enables students to maximize communication skills in a natural learning environment.

Team meetings are held on regularly scheduled intervals, providing additional opportunities for each child's team to evaluate student progress. The classroom teacher and teacher aides are essential parts of each child's team. The School Social Worker, psychology staff and a fully staffed Health Office offer a variety of support services to our students and their families.