Welcome to Valley View’s Early Learning Preschool Program!
PreK Registration Information,
Please email Cynthia Myrick at cmyrick@portlandct.us
The Early Learning Preschool Program is part of the Portland Public School System and serves preschool children with special needs and selected peer role models in an inclusive setting. Our preschool provides a social learning environment that nurtures the whole child and supports young children’s natural curiosity to learn through literacy, art, music, hands-on science, and the exploration of mathematical concepts, supported by play-based experiences in a language-rich environment. The curriculum is aligned to the CT Early Learning and Development Standards (CTELDS) birth to age 5.
Screening
If you have concerns about your child’s development, please contact the school to make an appointment to attend a screening. During the screening, your child will participate in a variety of activities that look at critical predictors of school success including physical development, language, academic, self-help, and social-emotional skills. While your child is participating in the screening process, parents meet with our school social worker outside of the classroom. Screenings typically take about 1 hour and are conducted by our preschool team. The preschool team includes the Early Childhood Special Education Teacher, a School Social Worker, and a Speech and Language Pathologist.
The screenings are a part of Child Find, which is a component of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) that requires states to identify, locate and evaluate all children with disabilities who are in need of early intervention or special education.
If you have any concerns about your child’s development, please call 860-342-3131 to set up an appointment for your child to participate in a screening. Children must be at least 2 years and 10 months old to participate in the screening process.
In order to be considered as a peer model for our Early Learning Preschool Program, you must call the school and schedule a time to attend a preschool screening to be considered for the following year. Peer Model screenings are held in April. Please be aware that your child must be at least 2 years 10 months old in order to participate in the screening. If your child does not meet the criteria on the day of the screening but will be 3 by the time school starts, please contact the school for special arrangements.
Please call the school for a time slot as they fill up quickly.
Requirements for Peer Model:
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Portland resident
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Attend our Peer Model Screening (must be at least 2.10 years old to participate in the screening)
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Children must be at least three years old at the start of the program
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Children who will be age-eligible for Kindergarten are not eligible for the Early Learning Preschool Program
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Provide a recent physical exam and current immunizations
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Must provide proof of the flu vaccine given between August 1st - December 31st of that school year.
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Parents of peer model students must provide transportation
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Peer models must be toilet trained.
Parents will receive a written letter stating whether or not their child received a placement in one of the preschool classes by June. Parents must confirm their acceptance by contacting the school and completing registration.
Resources
Registration
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If you are selected to attend the Early Learning Preschool Program, you will receive an email from Cynthia Myrick to register your child online using PowerSchool. Please be aware that you will need proof of residency (mortgage, rent agreement, current utility bill), child’s birth certificate, guardianship papers if applicable, and an updated physical/immunization record.
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Once all online documents are completed and medical information has been submitted to the school nurse for review, parents will be notified of their child’s start date.
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Please call 860-342-3131 if you have any questions.