Two new monthly parent support groups are being offered through ACPS starting in early January.
The first group, for parents of preschool students receiving special education services, is scheduled for Tuesday, January 6. It will meet from 9:30-10:45 in the Parent Resource Center, Room 134, Minnie Howard School, 3801 W. Braddock Road.
The second group is for parents of students in the City-wide Autism classes. The first day for this group is Wednesday, January 14. It will also meet at the Parent Resource Center in Room 134 of Minnie Howard.
Interpreter service is available with advanced notice.
Showing posts with label preschool. Show all posts
Showing posts with label preschool. Show all posts
Wednesday, December 17, 2014
News from the Alexandria Parent Resource Center
Wednesday, August 20, 2014
Preparing for Preschool & Kindergarten
For Preschool, Kindergarten ~~
*Label everything - jackets, coats, sweaters, sweatshirt, lunchbox, sippy cup/water bottle, etc…
* remember to put your child in an outfit that is easy to get in and out of/pull up and down – both for the teacher (if your child is not potty trained) and for your child. (so your child doesn’t have any accidents at school because they couldn’t get their clothes off fast enough)
So, no belts, snaps, buttons on pants – just elastic waists on pants.
For girls leggings are great.
* No backpacks or bags unless the teacher requires it. The only thing your child will usually need is a lunchbox/snack bag.
*Use lunch boxes that are like bags and have a Velcro top or are easy to zip open and closed. Remember your child will be opening it themselves!
You can always tuck a note or picture into your child’s lunchbox
*Don’t send items in their lunchbox that your child can’t open themselves i.e. juice boxes, yogurt etc..
*Nutritious snacks/lunches please! And pay attention to your schools policy for snacks and lunches – i.e. NO peanut products
*Dress your child appropriately for school – keep in mind they’ll go outside everyday and they’ll do messy art projects. Don’t dress them in an outfit that if it gets dirty or messy, will upset them or you.
Children go outside everyday unless it is below freezing, snowing, raining or has rained/snowed significantly over night and there is just too much water and mud on the playground, so dress them appropriately for the weather every day – hats, coats, jackets, etc.. And in clothes that you won’t mind getting paint on etc..
*No sandals or open toed shoes without socks – the mulch and pebbles from playgrounds get in and bothers the little toesies.
*When you drop your child off in the morning, the best things is STOP, DROP and ROLL. Quickly drop them off and scoot out of sight. Do not go into the classroom/playground to get them settled or engaged in something, and then try to sneak out. That usually makes it worse, once they look up and can’t find mommy or daddy.
The teacher will get your child engaged and involved, that is her job!
The teacher or another staff member will let you know if there is a problem and your child is not settling in.
Remember it will take some time, for everyone.
*Do not pick your child before the designated class/school ending time. When one child sees a parent, they all start wanting their parents. And make sure you are there promptly at the closing time – don’t be late! Again, when one parent shows up it sets them all off and if you’re the last one to pick up, your child will most likely be very unhappy.
*If you need to pick up your child early, please let the staff/teacher know in the morning. That way they will make sure that he/she is ready and that there is minimal disruption to the class.
*If someone else is picking up your child, let the teacher know in the morning. Children do get upset if their routine is changed.
*If there are any changes in your home life (new caregiver, move, new pet, parent traveling, visiting relatives, etc), please let the teacher know. It does effect your child’s day.
*Make sure to check your child’s lunchbox (or backpack) every day for any notes about your child’s day, school announcements, upcoming events, newsletters, and any other school related information.
Some Books to read with your child:
The Kissing Hand
Ms. Bindergarten Gets Ready for Kindergarten
Froggy Goes to School
Miss Malarkey Doesn’t Live in Room 10
The Night Before Kindergarten
When I was Five
When I was Little
Leo the Late Bloomer
Monday, August 18, 2014
Getting Ready for School
These are just some tips to help get you and your child ready for school, whether it’s preschool, elementary or middle school.
Going to school is a big step and a change for everyone, even mom and dad.
One of the best ways to prepare your child for school is to be prepared yourself. Your child will look to you, if you are confident, they will be too.
Know—
- the school calendar – holidays, special events, etc..
-the school/class hours
-your child’s class schedule – post it on the refrigerator for everyone to see
-the drop off and pick up process, bus schedule, and/or car pool schedule
-the schools playground, before school and after school rules
-how to reach the school by phone and e mail
-the schools lunch room rules and policies – no peanut products?
-the schools electronics policy – ipods, cell phones, gameboys
-how the school communicates emergency announcements
-how the school communicates other information – newsletters, e mails,
flyers in backpacks, etc..
-how best to communicate with your child’s teacher – e mail or phone
-what the school dress code is
Make sure you have all the school supplies, Kleenex, etc. before school starts! And don’t send all your child’s school supplies in with him/her on the first day. Try to drop them off at school before school starts. This way your child isn’t trying to carry everything and do everything on their first trip to school.
If possible, make a visit to the school and the classroom. You can drop off the supplies and familiarize your child with where the bathroom is located, where the lunch room is, how to get to the library etc..
Get involved – volunteer as a room parent, join the PTA/Parent Association, just get involved! It really does make a difference. Your child will see you at school and see you enjoying being a part of their world. The teachers will appreciate you and your time. And believe it or not, it does have an impact on how and how often the teacher interacts with your child.
Friday, April 4, 2014
Alexandria City Public Schools now accepting applications for Preschool
The City of Alexandria is taking application for its preschool programs including: Preschoolers Learning Together (PLT).
Below is the description, application criteria and school where the program is offered. You must submit and application before attending the screening.
For more information and other preschool programs visit http://www.acps.k12.va.us/preschool/
PLT is a half-day preschool program offered to children ages two years and six months thru four years (by September 30), who are eligible for the PLT program. This is an opportunity for typically developing children from the Alexandria community to be integrated into an early childhood special education (ECSE) classroom for the purpose of providing typical role models to students with disabilities.
Licensed ECSE teachers implement a play-based special education program with emphasis on providing services to students with an individualized developmental delay or disability.
Developmentally appropriate activities are incorporated into the daily routine.
PLT Guidelines and Application (PDF)
APPLICATION CRITERIA OF PLT PROGRAM
Currently a resident of the City of Alexandria.
Meet the age requirements-child must be two and a half to four-years-old by September 30, 2014.
Pass a developmental screening, and be observed by an ACPS preschool special education teacher.
Children who have had no formal early childhood school experience.
Preference given to children who are toilet trained.
Parents/Guardians must provide transportation to/from school (John Adams, Charles Barrett or Jefferson-Houston).
APPLICATION PROCESS
Step 1: Complete the PLT program application.
Step 2: Return completed application to the preschool site closest to your home:
Jefferson-Houston: Caitlyn Schnure or via e-mail to caitlyn.schnure@acps.k12.va.us
Charles Barrett: Heather Morgan or via e-mail to heather.morgan@acps.k12.va.us
John Adams: Andrea Handel or via e-mail to andrea.handel@acps.k12.va.us
Step 3: Participate in a Screening Event and Play Observation.
Applications must be submitted prior to attending a screening event. For those interested in attending these schools you must attend a screening event from 4 to 6 p.m. on these dates:
John Adams - Thursday, May 1
Charles Barrett - Thursday, April 24
Jefferson-Houston - Monday, April 28
Step 4: Receive notification in June. Parents must sign an agreement ensuring that their child will attend school five days a week, according to the school schedule. Parents must also register their child at the school and must provide transportation.
Below is the description, application criteria and school where the program is offered. You must submit and application before attending the screening.
For more information and other preschool programs visit http://www.acps.k12.va.us/preschool/
PLT is a half-day preschool program offered to children ages two years and six months thru four years (by September 30), who are eligible for the PLT program. This is an opportunity for typically developing children from the Alexandria community to be integrated into an early childhood special education (ECSE) classroom for the purpose of providing typical role models to students with disabilities.
Licensed ECSE teachers implement a play-based special education program with emphasis on providing services to students with an individualized developmental delay or disability.
Developmentally appropriate activities are incorporated into the daily routine.
PLT Guidelines and Application (PDF)
APPLICATION CRITERIA OF PLT PROGRAM
Currently a resident of the City of Alexandria.
Meet the age requirements-child must be two and a half to four-years-old by September 30, 2014.
Pass a developmental screening, and be observed by an ACPS preschool special education teacher.
Children who have had no formal early childhood school experience.
Preference given to children who are toilet trained.
Parents/Guardians must provide transportation to/from school (John Adams, Charles Barrett or Jefferson-Houston).
APPLICATION PROCESS
Step 1: Complete the PLT program application.
Step 2: Return completed application to the preschool site closest to your home:
Jefferson-Houston: Caitlyn Schnure or via e-mail to caitlyn.schnure@acps.k12.va.us
Charles Barrett: Heather Morgan or via e-mail to heather.morgan@acps.k12.va.us
John Adams: Andrea Handel or via e-mail to andrea.handel@acps.k12.va.us
Step 3: Participate in a Screening Event and Play Observation.
Applications must be submitted prior to attending a screening event. For those interested in attending these schools you must attend a screening event from 4 to 6 p.m. on these dates:
John Adams - Thursday, May 1
Charles Barrett - Thursday, April 24
Jefferson-Houston - Monday, April 28
Step 4: Receive notification in June. Parents must sign an agreement ensuring that their child will attend school five days a week, according to the school schedule. Parents must also register their child at the school and must provide transportation.
Sunday, February 2, 2014
Alexandria Preschool Programs
If you are looking for a preschool program the City of Alexandria offers three early childhood programs that are as follow and can be found at http://www.acps.k12.va.us/p
1) Pre-Kindergarten (VPI)
2) Preschoolers Learning Together (PLT)
3) Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE)
The PLT applications for the 2014-2015 school year will be available on March 1, 2014 and below there is more information regarding this great PLT program!
I hope this helps you to find the right program for your child.
The Alexandria City Public Schools invites three- and four-year-old typically developing children to be included in three hour preschool classes for children with delays in their development. Typically developing 3- and 4-year-old children from the community serve as role models for language, play, social and physical skills for preschoolers with special needs. In return, they receive a free developmental screening and a quality early childhood program taught by a teacher with a degree in early childhood special education and a qualified para-professional.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Jane Richardson
Early Childhood Special Education Coordinator
5651 Rayburn Avenue
Alexandria, VA 22301
Phone: 703-578-8217
Fax: 703-578-8218
E-mail: jane.richardson@acps.k12.va.us
APPLICATION CRITERIA OF PLT PROGRAM
Family is able to provide transportation for student to attend a half day class (8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. or 11:20 a.m. - 2:35 p.m.) Monday through Friday.
Children must be two years, 6 months to four-years-old by September 30.
Children must pass a developmental screening and be observed by an ACPS preschool special education teacher.
Preference given to children who live within the school boundaries of Jefferson-Houston, Charles Barrett, and John Adams.
Preference given to children who have had no formal early childhood school experience.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Step 1: Complete the PLT program application (available March 1) athttp://www.acps.k12.va.us/pr
Step 2: Return completed application to the preschool site closest to your home:
Jefferson-Houston: Caitlyn Schnure or via e-mail to caitlyn.schnure@acps.k12.va.us
Charles Barrett: Heather Chiles or via e-mail to heather.chiles@acps.k12.va.us
John Adams: Paula Craft or via e-mail to paula.craft@acps.k12.va.us
Step 3: Participate in a Screening Event and Play Observation.
Step 4: Receive notification in June. Parents must sign an agreement ensuring that their child will attend school five days a week, according to the school schedule. Parents must also register their child at the school and must provide transportation.
School Registration - required documentation for ACPS registration:
Two different documents showing Alexandria City residency (ex. a rent receipt, lease agreement, utility bill, or personal property tax receipt)
Child's original birth certificate (will be copied in the school office)
Proof that the adult registering the child is the parent or legal guardian (names on birth certificate matches the parent's picture ID or court documents of legal custody)
Completed Virginia School Entrance Health Form showing a physical examination given within 12 months prior to child's first day of school, showing required immunizations (diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, chicken pox, and hepatitis B).
Results of PPD tuberculin skin test given within previous 12 months with dates received and read, or a written risk assessment statement from a licensed health care provider.
1) Pre-Kindergarten (VPI)
2) Preschoolers Learning Together (PLT)
3) Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE)
The PLT applications for the 2014-2015 school year will be available on March 1, 2014 and below there is more information regarding this great PLT program!
I hope this helps you to find the right program for your child.
The Alexandria City Public Schools invites three- and four-year-old typically developing children to be included in three hour preschool classes for children with delays in their development. Typically developing 3- and 4-year-old children from the community serve as role models for language, play, social and physical skills for preschoolers with special needs. In return, they receive a free developmental screening and a quality early childhood program taught by a teacher with a degree in early childhood special education and a qualified para-professional.
CONTACT INFORMATION
Jane Richardson
Early Childhood Special Education Coordinator
5651 Rayburn Avenue
Alexandria, VA 22301
Phone: 703-578-8217
Fax: 703-578-8218
E-mail: jane.richardson@acps.k12.va.us
APPLICATION CRITERIA OF PLT PROGRAM
Family is able to provide transportation for student to attend a half day class (8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. or 11:20 a.m. - 2:35 p.m.) Monday through Friday.
Children must be two years, 6 months to four-years-old by September 30.
Children must pass a developmental screening and be observed by an ACPS preschool special education teacher.
Preference given to children who live within the school boundaries of Jefferson-Houston, Charles Barrett, and John Adams.
Preference given to children who have had no formal early childhood school experience.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Step 1: Complete the PLT program application (available March 1) athttp://www.acps.k12.va.us/pr
Step 2: Return completed application to the preschool site closest to your home:
Jefferson-Houston: Caitlyn Schnure or via e-mail to caitlyn.schnure@acps.k12.va.us
Charles Barrett: Heather Chiles or via e-mail to heather.chiles@acps.k12.va.us
John Adams: Paula Craft or via e-mail to paula.craft@acps.k12.va.us
Step 3: Participate in a Screening Event and Play Observation.
Step 4: Receive notification in June. Parents must sign an agreement ensuring that their child will attend school five days a week, according to the school schedule. Parents must also register their child at the school and must provide transportation.
School Registration - required documentation for ACPS registration:
Two different documents showing Alexandria City residency (ex. a rent receipt, lease agreement, utility bill, or personal property tax receipt)
Child's original birth certificate (will be copied in the school office)
Proof that the adult registering the child is the parent or legal guardian (names on birth certificate matches the parent's picture ID or court documents of legal custody)
Completed Virginia School Entrance Health Form showing a physical examination given within 12 months prior to child's first day of school, showing required immunizations (diphtheria, tetanus, whooping cough, polio, measles, mumps, rubella, chicken pox, and hepatitis B).
Results of PPD tuberculin skin test given within previous 12 months with dates received and read, or a written risk assessment statement from a licensed health care provider.
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