Tuscarawas Area Kid Network to open preschool for children with autism, ADHD, dyslexia and developmental delays
Just one look into the classroom and play areas of the new Tuscarawas Area Kid Network Beyond the Basics Preschool Academy is all one needs to determine that this is not an ordinary preschool. In fact, the state-of-the-art, integrated preschool is a first in the area and will specialize in working with children with autism, ADHD, dyslexia and/or developmental delays. With a totally unique approach to educating early learners, the preschool is now accepting registrations for the 2010-2011 school year.According to Tracia Wellman, director of the Tuscarawas Area Kid Network (TAKN), a generous private donor provided the funding for the new preschool, which will fill a big need in the area. “The national statistics continue to rise for people with autism, ADHD, sensory processing disorder and other developmental and learning disabilities,” explained Wellman. “The feedback from the families we serve is consistent with this fact. We receive calls constantly from parents who have just been told their child has autism or can’t pay attention in class or parents that tell us their child has different learning styles that need to be considered. We designed our preschool to meet those needs.”
Located within the First United Church of Christ building at 201 Fair Ave. NW in New Philadelphia, the Beyond the Basics Preschool Academy will offer classes for 3- to 4-year-olds Thursdays and Fridays, from 8:45-11:30 a.m. and 4- to 5-year-olds Mondays through Wednesdays, from 8:45-11:30 a.m., beginning this fall. Enrollment is now underway and can be started by calling the TAKN office at 330-339-3700 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Each preschool class will have a limit of nine children with a mix of typical children and children with disabilities. Juli Arnett, preschool teacher, noted, “Our mission is to create an individualized, unique and nurturing learning environment for all children to develop to their fullest potential, especially meeting the needs of children with exceptionalities (traits or disorders that make them different from typical children).”
Arnett is a licensed teacher who is currently completing her final year of master’s degree training in special education at Kent State University. A Dover resident, Arnett has taught in a variety of settings and has worked with adults and children with disabilities.
“This is the only preschool like this in our area that is privately funded and is providing services to children with exceptionalities,” shared Arnett. “We offer the lowest teacher-student class ratios and use the best research-based practices and equipment in carefully designed classrooms taught by highly qualified teachers.”
The preschool curriculum will follow the state of Ohio content standards for early learning, which covers language arts, social studies, math and science. Also included will be art, music, movement, social skills and emotional development.
Preschool students will be taught to recognize and apply what they’ve learned to everyday situations. “We have special sensory equipment and materials designed specifically for children with sensory needs and plan to offer real-world learning experiences by visits to local libraries, parks, plays, museums and government buildings,” stated Arnett.
With the computer and SmartBoard technology in place, and the classroom and sensory integration playroom set up with musical, dramatic, craft and movement tools, all the preschool needs are children.
“After spending the past few months developing the preschool conceptually and then working to pull it together physically, it will be exciting to finally have the children there to bring it to life,” shared Arnett. “I love working with children, and teaching children with special needs is near and dear to my heart.”
Formed in 2007, TAKN is a nonprofit organization with the mission to raise awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) through a community support group, educational materials lending library, training and referrals and programs designed to maximize the potential of children with ASD and the people who interact with them.
For more information about TAKN or to make a donation, visit www.orgsites.com/oh/takn or call 330-339-3700.