It is never too early for children to learn about the importance of inclusion.
Central Community Unit School District 301 has been running a pilot program in 2015-16 that teaches children with disabilities alongside non-disabled children. The District 301 board this week approved turning the pilot program into a permanent program.
During the board meeting last month, Andrea Bonk, speech language pathologist, Colleen Feeney, early childhood education teacher, and Mike Potsic, director of student services, offered information to the board about early childhood blended learning.
According to Potsic, “both the Americans with Disabilities Act and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act require school and agencies to provide equal educational opportunities for children with disabilities. Educational research shows that children with disabilities who attend preschool in inclusive environments demonstrate gains in social skills, self-regulation, language development and cognition. Preschool classrooms that utilize inclusive materials and curricula, along with appropriate supports and services, provide social and educational benefits to the general preschool population as well. Additionally, children who attend high quality preschool programs demonstrate gains in early learning skills and throughout their kindergarten through high school years.”
There are currently five full-time teachers in the pilot program, but one of those teachers is retiring.
In addition to replacing that teacher, the program would also need to purchase an additional table and chairs and assessment materials. The additional furniture is anticipated to cost $1,100, while assessment materials would cost $778. Student/teacher materials are being provided through the preschool Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
Instead of eight instructional (self-contained) sections and two blended sections, the program next year would have at least two instructional sections and up to eight blended sections, depending upon enrollment.
While there are currently 20 general education students and 56 students under individualized education programs, next year the program is expected to have 41 individualized education program students and up to 80 general education students.
Transportation was provided for all students in the pilot program this year. Next year, while all individualized education program students will continue to receive free transportation to school, parents will have to provide transportation for general education students.
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This year, there was a registration fee of $50 per child.
In addition to the $50 registration fee, the charge per student next year will be $250 a month.
Janet Marlovits, board secretary, voiced disappointment that transportation will not be provided for all students in the program next year. She noted that due to the work schedules of some parents, it will be difficult for them to transport their children to and from the program.
The cost to continue offering transportation for all the children, $250,000 a year, was considered too expensive to be carried by the district.
Denise Moran is a freelance reporter.