We want to thank the 285 respondents to the recent Pre-K survey and our next step in this process is to hold a public information workshop.
In 2019, MSAD #51 added a Pre-K program when the state required the district to support four-year-olds on IEPs. An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a plan outlining the special education services and supports necessary for a child to learn and grow. Our Pre-K program currently serves 32 four-year-olds, half of whom are on IEPs.
In 2024, the state legislature expanded the requirement "to provide early childhood special education services to preschool aged children with disabilities" to include three-year-olds. This will go into effect in the fall of 2027 for our district. There are a number of different models that may be used by the district to meet the need to serve these learners. This creates an important opportunity to examine our programs and select a model that can best meet the needs of all learners and our community.
During this workshop, we will review our current Pre-K offerings, outline the new state requirements vs. expectations, and explore several program models under consideration for the coming years. Community preschool providers currently serve many of the community's 3- and 4-year-olds, including those with IEPs; their insight is essential for understanding community capacity and maintaining a sustainable early-childhood system in our community.
We hope you’ll join us to learn more, ask questions, and share your perspectives. Your input will help shape a Pre-K model; our goal is to reflect our community’s values and support our youngest learners. We invite local preschool providers to share their insights and experiences. Their perspectives, combined with feedback from families and community members, will help us build an approach that is collaborative, sustainable, and responsive to student needs.
All are welcome, and we look forward to hearing from you.
