2280 - PRESCHOOL PROGRAM

The Board of Education recognizes a need to provide a preschool program to eligible children residing in its District, including preschool children with disabilities and homeless children, and has obtained a license to operate a preschool program.

The preschool program shall be located in a facility that accommodates the enrollment of the program, supports the growth and development of children according to program objectives, and meets the requirements of State law and regulations.

The Board of Education may operate general education classrooms, integrated classrooms, and/or special education classrooms to meet the needs of students served. Definitions for each type of classroom are as follows: 

1. General education classrooms are those in which no more than fifty percent (50%) of enrolled students are children with disabilities and there is a maximum of eight (8) students with disabilities served. General education classes are taught by a general education teacher or dual-licensed teacher who meets the lead teacher qualifications prescribed by the State. General education classrooms may also include a co-taught class model that is taught by both a licensed general education teacher and licensed intervention specialist who are assigned to the classroom for the full duration of each class session. General education teachers in this type of classroom may not serve as the intervention specialist of record or IEP case manager for any children with disabilities.
    
2. Integrated classrooms are those in which no more than fifty percent (50%) of students in the class are children with disabilities. Integrated classes are taught by a general education or dual-licensed teacher who meets the lead teacher qualifications prescribed by the State. Integrated classroom teachers may serve as the intervention specialist of record or IEP case manager for students with disabilities enrolled in the class if they are properly licensed. 
3. Special education classrooms are those in which at least fifty-one percent (51%) of the students enrolled in the class are children with disabilities. The lead teacher is responsible for specially designed instruction for one (1) or more children with IEPs enrolled in the class.

A child is eligible for entrance into preschool if the child attains the age of three (3) on or before August 1st of the year in which the child applies for entrance and has not yet obtained the age at which the child will be admitted in kindergarten. Children participating in the preschool program shall have been immunized in accordance with the requirements of the State Board of Education to prevent the spread of communicable disease.

Parents of children enrolled in the program shall be permitted access to the school during its hours of operation, in accordance with District procedures, to contact their children, evaluate the care provided by the program, the premises, or for other purposes approved by the director. Upon entering the premises, parents shall report to the school office. Parents are expected to follow all visitation rules and security protocols while on campus.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition and fees may be charged to parents of preschool students, according to a schedule adopted by the Board. Tuition and fees may be graduated in proportion to family income or waived in case of hardship.

Transportation

Transportation shall be provided for preschool students.

Preschool program field trips shall be planned in accordance with Policy 2340 and AG 2340A, AG 2340B, AG 2340C, AG 2340D, AG 2340E, and AG 2340F. Overnight trips will not be approved.

The Superintendent shall establish written guidelines for the preschool program addressing the following:

1. staff (AG 2280)
2. cumulative records and student information (AG 2280.01)
3. program and curriculum (AG 2280.02)
4. health and safety requirements (AG 2280.03)
5. admission and attendance (AG 2280.04)
6. behavior management and discipline (AG 2280.05)
7. management of communicable diseases (AG 2280.03)
8. facility (AG 2280.06)
9. food services (AG 2280.07)
10. equipment and supplies (AG 2280.08)

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