School News: Early Childhood Learning Center provides programs for preschoolers and students with special needs

At the Early Childhood Learning Center our goal is to provide a structured, developmentally appropriate curriculum and a positive environment designed to meet the social, emotional, language, and cognitive needs of children ages 3-5. We will accomplish this goal through cooperation among trained staff, children, families and community partners.

The Early Childhood department consists of three different programs: Early Childhood Special Education, Title I, and Missouri Preschool Project.

Our special education program serves students that are significantly delayed in one or more areas of developments. Title I serves students who score below the 50th percentile on a screening that is given through Parents As Teachers. Student selection for the Missouri Preschool classroom is the same as for Title I, but the program is partially funded through a grant.

Enrollment is limited at the Learning Center. Currently we are serving 91 students who attend a three hour session, five days a week. Two special education teachers, three Title I teachers and a speech pathologist make up the certified staff with an occupational and physical therapist available for individual needs. The program is located at Prairie View State School.

The Learning Center is accredited by Missouri Accreditation of Programs for Children and Youth. Accreditation is a process that ensures a program is delivering quality services for preschool students that exceed the standards for child care programs in Missouri. The evaluation process covers children's relationships and interactions, physical environment, programming/curriculum, program/family connections, administration, health, safety and nutrition.

The focus at the Early Childhood center is to provide physical, social, emotional and intellectual growth opportunities for preschool children so they will be better equipped to enter kindergarten ready to learn. Project Construct is the curriculum that is used which allows children the chance to learn through interacting with their environment. Hands-on learning allows students to work collaboratively with peers and adults and to become problem solvers.

Early literacy experiences are at the focal point of each day. It is important for children to hear language so they can become acquainted with proper grammar, sentence structures and new vocabulary. Reading books familiarizes students with printed matter and that words have significance. Sound and letter recognition begin to take on meaning for students. Children soon learn to "read" environmental print in their everyday world.

Research indicates that positive early learning experiences provide a critical foundation for all future learning. We strive to give every child who attends the Early Childhood Learning Center of Marshall Public Schools a strong educational foundation on which they can build.