Preschool Inclusion

In order to provide an appropriate
and inclusive center-based program
for preschool children with identified
special needs, the Upshur County
Board of Education and the Child
Development Center of Central WV,
Inc. have worked cooperatively since
the mid 1980’s.

The project has been overwhelmingly
successful for all those involved –
families, staff, and especially, the
children. Those with special needs, as well as their normally developing peers, benefit greatly from a social environment emphasizing independence while building interpersonal relationships among children and adults. Activities that meet the needs of preschoolers with special needs enhance the development of others.

Many staff members have remained with the program for several years, creating a very high level of consistency and competency. The program is further enhanced by unique staff contributions, such as: signing, with the help of an assistant teacher with profound hearing impairment; multigenerational relationships with teenage alumni and Foster Grandparents; and one-on-one activities with Service Scholars and student teachers from Wesleyan College and Fairmont State University.

The preschool inclusion project served as the cornerstone for a successful grant proposal resulting in the 1995 construction of the current state-of-the-art facility designed specifically for preschool children.

The Upshur County Board of Education provides program coordination by the Preschool Inclusion Facilitator, who supervises special services beyond those provided in the regular education program. These additional services, detailed in each child’s Individualized Educational Program (IEP), may include direct intervention from a Special Needs Certified Teacher, Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist, or Speech Language Pathologist. The Board also provides ongoing development assessment, special equipment and supports necessary to implement the IEP, training and support to Child Development Center staff, and transportation to and from school.

The Child Development Center of Central WV, Inc. provides developmentally appropriate inclusion into the general program, in cooperation with Board of Education staff and special service providers, necessary classroom staff to produce a high-quality experience for all children, consumable classroom materials and supplies, as well as lunches and snacks. Classroom and administrative representatives from the CDC attend IEP meetings, as deemed appropriate by Preschool Inclusion Facilitator.