Preschool Programs

The Greene County Educational Service Center offers quality, comprehensive preschool services in the school districts of Cedar Cliff, Greeneview, Bellbrook-Sugarcreek, and Yellow Springs. Services include center-based programs, itinerant services, and therapy services. All programs are licensed through the Ohio Department of Education. The programs adhere to a developmentally appropriate philosophy and curriculum in accordance with guidelines established by the National Association for the Education of Young Children and aligned to Ohio's Early Learning Content Standards.

 

Enrollment is open to children ages 3-5 from each community, including children with delays in development. Parent participation is a strong focus of the program. We recognize that children learn best when their parents are actively involved in their education program. Our program serves a diverse population of children and families. The program is open to children regardless of ability, race, religion or ethnic background. Children with delays or disabilities must be evaluated and placed by the school district. Private pay children are also accepted on a first come-first served basis. Private pay children must be toilet trained.

 

Parents must provide a legal birth certificate upon enrollment. All children must have a physical within 30 days of enrollment. A dental screening is also required. The medical form and registration form must be completed annually. Children without a current medical form may be excluded from the program.

 

Families are frequently invited to participate in a classroom activity or event. Communication between home and school is maintained regarding the child's participation and development in the program. Newsletters, progress reports, home visits, and parent/teacher conferences help to ensure that families feel fully informed about their child's experiences at school.

 

 

The preschool center-based class meets four days per week for 2 hrs, 30 minutes, in morning or afternoon sessions. There are a maximum of 16 children in each center-based class. A developmentally appropriate, play-based curriculum will be implemented. Children will receive both individual and small group instruction.

 

 

An itinerant preschool program is offered by an Itinerant preschool teacher who is an Early Childhood Intervention Specialist providing services to 3, 4, and 5-year-old children who qualify for services on an Individualized Education Plan (I.E.P.).

 

The itinerant teacher will work with the child and parents or teachers for a minimum of one hour per week to monitor the child’s progress on I.E.P. goals and to help the parents or teachers continue activities throughout the week. These strategies and activities can then be used in the child’s daily environment. This is called the “Consultative Approach” and is supported by the Ohio Department of Education. Itinerant services can also be provided by the speech therapist or other therapists as determined by the IEP team. Services can be provided in a variety of locations including Head Start Programs, early childhood centers, preschools, or homes.