PRESCHOOL REGISTRATION/INFORMATION
PLEASE CONTACT CHILD OUTREACH FOR SCREENING AND PRESCHOOL REGISTRATION TIMES.
 
Julie LePain, Child Outreach Coordinator
(401) 647-7560
Registration Paperwork Link
Guidelines for Selection
Guidelines for Selection of Typically Developing Peers
Friends Learning Together Preschool

Each year there are a number of slots available in our integrated special education classroom to typically developing preschool children (aged three to five) in the community. The maximum number of students per class is fifteen, eight of whom are typically developing peers. The remaining seven slots are reserved for students who qualify for special education placement. This decision is made by the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) team. Typically developing peers are chosen by the following criteria:
  • All peers must be screened and pass all four areas of the Child Outreach screening. The four areas include: Speech/Language, Development, Vision and Hearing. If a child fails vision or hearing on two consecutive sessions, a letter from an ophthalmologist and/or audiologist verifying treatment will be required. Once all of the above criteria have been met, an exit letter will be sent as proof of screening.
  • Children who have passed Child Outreach screening will be invited to an actual preschool session for a secondary screening to be done by the preschool team on Monday, May 13, 2019, from 9:00 - 11:00 a.m., which may consist of preschool teachers and their assistants, child outreach coordinator, speech language pathologist, psychologist or school social worker.
  • Children who have not passed Child Outreach screening by April 30, 2010 will not be invited to participate in the secondary screening.
  • During the secondary screening the team will be observing how the children interact with adults and other children. The team will be documenting the children’s ability to: separate from a familiar adult, follow directions and classroom routines from an unfamiliar adult and to communicate and play with peers in an age appropriate fashion.
  • Upon completion of the secondary screening process, families will receive a letter in the mail of the outcome. 
  • Due to program planning constraints, placements will be made by May 13, 2019. Therefore, any child who has not been screened by Child Outreach due to their date of birth or other factors would be excluded from the secondary screening process.
  • Children who have been accepted into the program as three year olds are automatically eligible for the four year old program unless the family chooses otherwise. Second year students should receive Child Outreach screening, but will not need to participate in the secondary screening process nor pay a second registration fee.
  • Child Outreach Screenings are available during the school year for three, four and five year olds. Contact the Child Outreach Coordinator at 401-647-7560 for more information.
  • A secondary screening, if necessary, will be held in late summer (date to be determined).
  
Preschool FAQs
What is the maximum class size?
The maximum number of students per class is fifteen.  Per state regulations, 51% of the students must be typically developing for the classroom to be considered an integrated special education classroom.  Thus, there are eight typically developing students and seven students whose IEP’s deem a classroom placement necessary to meet educational goals. 
Is there a cost for the program?
Federal regulations require that students with Individualized Education Plans are serviced under FAPE, or free appropriate public education.  However, there is a charge for typically developing students as preschool placement is not regulatory in our state.  The current fee is $200.00 per month. 
How are peer models chosen?
Please refer to “Guidelines for Selection of Typically Developing Peers” for a detailed description on the process and procedures used in identifying community peers.  There is currently a two part screening in place that will be required for all typically developing students entering the program. 
Can I choose which session I want my child to attend?
We cannot guarantee a morning or afternoon session based on your needs.  Due to the nature of our program, we try to balance out the number of students in our AM/PM session with the needs of our students in the special education program.  You are invited to share your preference of session.  Generally speaking, younger children are given AM sessions due to the fact that they often tire more quickly than older peers.
Can I choose the days my child attends?
Our program is a five day program that runs Monday through Friday.  The expectation is that typically developing peers have the ability and stamina to attend each session. 
Does my child need to be toilet trained?
Yes, all typically developing students must have achieved this milestone in their development.  They must be completely independent and able to consistently use the bathroom on their own.
Is there transportation?
Typically developing students are not offered bus transportation.  Parents/adult guardians must drop off and pick up their children.