“You will only be able to read and write as much language as you have in your head,” Gregory said. “When you sit down to write a paper, you start with the language in your head. ABCs are great, but if you don’t have language, what does that ABC do for you? You have to have critical thinking and creative skills.”
Teacher Kim Knisley said students learn these skills in the classroom, but the goal is to educate area day care providers and community members about the integrated program as well.
“We’re here to educate, but we’re also here to support families,” she said. “We want to bridge the gap between all environments kids are in. Our whole mission is kids feel safe wherever they’re at, and it’s consistent to help meet their needs.”
Many of the children, she said, have no social interaction outside of school.
In the preschool setting, the typical children are able to be role models to those with special needs, and they learn empathy, compassion and leadership, Gregory said.
“We are all beings that were created to help each other,” she said. “If we can plant that seed early, that’s critical and crucial.”
Parent Cathy Stevens said she likes how the integrated program combines academic learning with play.
“They prepare them really well for kindergarten — the skills they need. They work a lot on social skills, which I think is one of the most important things to school success. Obviously, I think it’s a wonderful program or I wouldn’t have put both my children here.”
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