In the Preschool Inclusion Program, CRF integrates children with special needs in classrooms with their typically developing peers. This program strengthens the school readiness of all children. Children with special needs are exposed to a regular classroom setting which helps them achieve positive academic, social and learning outcomes. On the other hand, typically developing children acquire a heighten sensitivity to the challenges others face, increase empathy and compassion and improve leadership skills.
Each child is provided with an Individual Education Plan (IEP) tailored to their specific needs and accommodations that target five different areas, including cognitive, social/emotional, gross motor, fine motor, and adaptive skills.
In the preschool program the HighScope curriculum is used. The HighScope curriculum integrates all aspects of child and youth development. Using research-validated strategies, this approach enhances each young person’s growth in the foundations of academics as well as in social-emotional, physical, and creative areas.
The Inclusion Program maintains a 5:1 student to teacher ratio in each classroom and is staffed by teachers with Bachelor degrees in Early Childhood or Exceptional Student Education and assistant teachers with Associate degrees in Early Childhood Education or National Child Development Certifications.
The preschool program is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and has been awarded a Five Star rating from The Early Learning Coalition of Miami-Dade and Monroe Counties’ Quality Counts program.
