About Our School
Who Are We?
The Early Learning Center is the public integrated preschool program that provides special education services to children with disabilities in a typical preschool environment. Programs at the Early Learning Center are designed in accordance with federal mandates under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) and Massachusetts General Laws, Section 603 CMR 28.00 The law very clearly states that "exclusionary programs for young children shall be located in a setting that includes children with and without disabilities...such programs shall be developmentally appropriate and specially designed for children ages three and four years."
In order to provide our students with the highest level of quality programming, the Early Learning Center has sought and won accreditation from the National Academy for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). The program has gone through a rigorous self-study process. Validation is conducted by NAEYC representatives to ensure that we are meeting the high level of standards set by this national organization. The self-study process must be completed every three years. Our most recent accreditation was in June 2008.
Recently, the Early Learning Center has won commendation from the Department of Education Audit Team for three- and four-year olds, as well as its transition programs from Early Intervention.
Student Registration
Admission to the Early Learning Center is available on a first come, first serve basis. Each child must participate in the preschool screening process to be considered for a placement at the ELC. Screenings are conducted on Friday mornings. Please call for an appointment.
Transition from Early Intervention Programs
Students between the ages of birth and three years of age who currently receive services from Kennedy Donovan Early Intervention program are referred to the Early Learning Center program at age 30 months. A wide array of services from therapy only to preschool placement is available; decisions about eligibility will be made once the child is screened by the Early Learning Center TEAM. Eligibility requirements for school-age children are different from eligibility requirements for Early Intervention. Please check with your service coordinator for more information.
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ELC PROFILE
PHYSICAL PLANT
* Seven full-sized classrooms, two with toilet facilities
* One auditorium/stage area, library on stage,motor area for OT and PT therapies.
* Gross motor area for inclement weather days
* One teachers' room/workroom with full working kitchen
* Four small conference/therapy rooms (former storage areas)
* One full principal's office with toilet
* One main office suite: secretary/reception with toilet, nurse's office with toilet.
* One custodian's room
* One boiler room
* One Boundless Playground facility
STAFF
* Seven full time teachers (most with masters degrees in Sped)
* Two full time speech therapists
* One full time occupational therapist; one full time physical therapist
* Part time specialists: 1 communication consultant, 1 school psychologist/adjustment counselor, 1 consulting neuropsychologist, 1 consulting BCBA, 1 consulting home therapy specialist (ABA), 1 consulting vision specialist
* Fourteen full and part time paraprofessionals
* One full time nurse
* One full time secretary
* One full time custodian
* One full time principal (IEP Chairperson)
* Active School Improvement Council
* Active Parent Teacher Organization
* Active parent volunteer group assisting in classrooms and preparing materials
HOURS OF OPERATION
* Monday-Thursday, 8:30-2:30, following school calendar.
* A.M. Session: 8:30-11:00
* P.M. Session: 12:00-2:30
* No preschool students on Fridays, when screening and 504 therapies take place.
* Staff rotates through weekly preschool screening (Child Find) and evaluations. Prep time on Fridays only, no prep time other than lunch on Monday-Thursday.
* Summer program: 6 weeks
TUITION
Typical students are charged $1900 annual tuition, usually paid monthly, for 4 days/week. Tuition funds are used for specialized equipment, materials, and for mid-year additional staffing as needed.
OTHER SOURCES OF REVENUE
* Early Childhood Grant
* Community Partnership Provider Grants
The Early Learning Center received NAEYC re-accreditation in June, 2008.
We are a member of the Community Partnership for Children, which subsidizes tuition for low income working families.
