Preschool Program Information

The Oak Hills Preschool Program provides a multi-age classroom for preschoolers focused on supporting Kindergarten Readiness Skills for our district’s 3, 4, and 5 year olds.  

Our philosophy is based upon developmentally appropriate practices and the individual needs of the children. Programming is planned to meet each child’s social, emotional, cognitive, and physical needs as the child passes through predictable and sequential stages of development.  The child-directed, teacher-supported exploration and learning experiences are designed so that each child can construct knowledge at their own developmental level and pace. Trust, social interaction, and play are the foundations on which children develop problem solving skills, language, and self esteem.  We recognize the importance of working closely with families and acknowledge family involvement as an essential and vital component of the total learning progress.  

Our multi-age preschool programs follow a sequential learning curriculum throughout the integrated program which allows all children, typically developing and children with disabilities, to gain a broader perspective of the real world.  This curriculum is an organized framework that guides developmentally appropriate practices in the learning environment and encompasses the developmental domains; social, emotional, cognitive, and physical, to foster a child’s success through active learning. 

All school districts are required by federal law to provide special education and related services for preschool-age students who are identified with a disability. The Oak Hills Preschool Program integrates preschool students who are typically developing (peer models) with children who have identified needs and require an Individualized Education Program (IEP). 

Benefits of a Peer Model Program:

• Learning Together: Children with different abilities learn and play together, promoting understanding and friendship.

• Building Social Skills: Peer models provide positive examples, helping all children develop age-appropriate social, play, and communication skills.

• Celebrating Differences: Kids learn to accept and celebrate each other's unique qualities, fostering a sense of inclusion and diversity.

• Empathy Development: Interacting with peers of diverse needs teaches children compassion and empathy, nurturing kindness and understanding.

• Enhanced Learning: Tailored teaching methods cater to individual strengths, making learning more effective and enjoyable for every child.

• Positive Role Modeling: Typically developing peers serve as role models, inspiring positive behavior and fostering a supportive classroom environment.

• Improved Communication: Speech and language development benefit from peer interaction, as children learn through observation and practice.

• Transition Readiness: Children are better prepared for transitions to higher grades, equipped with essential skills and a foundation for continued success.

Peer Model Admissions Criteria:                                                   

• The child will be 3 years old by the first day of preschool of that school year. 

• The child's speech is clear and understandable by unfamiliar adults.. 

• The child demonstrates age appropriate social skills (able to follow one and two step directions; can engage in turn taking and sharing).

• The child is potty trained.

• The family does not have any concerns with the child’s speech/language, social-emotional development, motor development, cognitive or adaptive behavior.