ST. JOSEPH’S PRE-SCHOOL PROGRAM

is specifically designed to meet the unique needs of children aged 3-6 years with vision impairments and possibly additional disabilities.

Through games, play, and academic activities, our children learn the age-appropriate attitudes and skills needed for socializing with their peers and understanding the world around them.

THE PRE-SCHOOL PROGRAM provides opportunities for each child to further strengthen and master the developmental abilities that all children need to learn. Such skills include:

• Sensory stimulation of all senses— including any remaining vision
• Effective communication
• Awareness of body image
• Gross and fine motor skills
• Socialization
• Daily living in areas of self-feeding, toileting, washing, and dressing
• Functional academics
• Orientation and mobility
• Learning to “give and take” with other children
• Appropriate social behavior

OUR EDUCATIONAL APPROACH

Following a comprehensive assessment, each child receives an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). The plan is developed with each child’s home school district, with parents playing a lead role, supported by St. Joseph’s multi-cultural team of special educators that includes:

• Certified teachers of the disabled
• Certified teachers of the visually impaired
• Orientation and mobility instructors
• Adaptive physical education, recreational and music teachers
• Teacher aides
• Technology specialists
• Social workers
• Occupational, speech and physical therapists
• Health care workers and consultants, as needed.

Parents and family members play active roles throughout their child’s education.

CLASS DYNAMICS: Classes are small and intimate, led by a certified teacher of the disabled and/or teacher of the visually impaired, and at least two teacher aides. As needed, therapists work in close partnership with the classroom teacher. Together their combined skills help further increase each child’s awareness, movement, socialization, language, communication, functional and academic abilities.

Classrooms are full of visually, tactually and auditorily stimulating, age-appropriate toys and games, books and educational materials—ideal for both individual and group learning. They are active and often bustling places (except during nap times!) and walls are colorfully decorated with children’s drawings, seasonal plans, and activity schedules.

THE TEAM: Parents, educators, social workers, therapists, and representatives from local education agencies, together guide each child’s educational program. This team plays a key role in maximizing choices related to every child’s ongoing education and aspirations to

“LEARN TO BE ALL THEY CAN BE!”