What exactly a developmental preschool is can vary, depending upon the region you are from and the context in which the word is being used. Sometimes, when someone refers to a developmental preschool, they are talking about one that is a play or socially based. A school where the focus is on play and socialization, rather than academics.
Services Provided
Developmental preschools or special needs preschools offer a full slate of services which can include (but are not limited to):
Speech therapyPhysical therapyOccupational therapyDevelopmental therapySocial workersPsychologists Early childhood education expertsArt therapistsTherapists who are specific to certain disabilities and special needs
In addition, developmental preschools are staffed with certified special education teachers and aides who are trained to best fit their students’ needs. If it is determined that your child needs a therapist that isn’t available at the preschool, ask!
How to Be Accepted
Students usually have to qualify to be accepted into a developmental preschool, so it is very important that you check with your local school district or municipality to find out how children are evaluated. The child is evaluated by a qualified special education teacher, usually through play. If it is determined that your child needs to attend a developmental preschool, the agency that evaluated your child will help you with placement. In some cases, tuition is paid for by someone other than the parents or caregivers—health insurance, the local school district, or some other form of a grant. As you tour the developmental preschool, ask the administrator how payment works. The day itself at a developmental preschool or special education preschool varies from school district to school district. Some districts have inclusion classes, where special needs children are placed in a general education classroom—teachers either “push in” or have full inclusion. Other developmental preschools have self-contained classrooms. Talk to the administrator of the school as well as the other early education experts in your child’s life to figure out what they think would be the best type of setting for your child. In some cases, bussing is available for children. Again, this is something you’ll need to speak to someone at the preschool about and determine if it is something that is appropriate for your child.
