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1157 South Road Wakefield, RI 02879
Coleen Smith, Early Childhood Coordinator
Phone: 401-360-1200 Fax: 401-360-1217
School hours: 8:35 to 2:55
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The South Kingstown Inclusionary Preschool
S.K.I.P.
“Despite differences and in recognition that all of our children are ‘children first’ and therefore desire and deserve the same friendships, acceptances and expectations; we strive to provide a learning environment where each and every child is cherished and encouraged to grow to their fullest potential.”
The South Kingstown Inclusionary Preschool was created in 1995 based on the belief that children learn best in a setting that includes children of all abilities. Current research supports this principle and continues to be the focus of our efforts in the NAEYC accredited program in existence today.
The National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Accreditation represents the mark of quality in early childhood education. To achieve NAEYC Accreditation, early childhood education programs volunteer to be measured against NAEYC early childhood program standards and criteria. The standards focus on curriculum, assessment, positive relationships among children and adults, developmentally appropriate teaching practice, teacher qualifications, health, family collaboration, community relationships, physical environment and leadership. Early Childhood programs that receive NAEYC Accreditation have demonstrated high quality programs for young children and their families.
The term “inclusionary” refers to the acceptance of all children, both with and without disabilities or developmental delays. Children who require special education due to a disability or delay receive their services and accommodations within the typical preschool setting. Research demonstrates that all children benefit from placement in this “least restrictive environment.” Such an environment encourages the greatest degree of independence for each child, promotes a self-help method of learning and creates a sense of tolerance and empathy at a young age.
The Rhode Island Early Learning Standards are used as our guide to what children should know and be able to do as they enter kindergarten. The standards include the (8) domain areas: Approach to Learning, Social and Emotional Development, Language Development and Communication, Physical Health and Development, Literacy, Math, Science and Creativity. Our classrooms are designed based upon the Creative Curriculum which rests upon a firm foundation of research and serves as a tool that maps children’s development and guides teacher’s planning
Since 1996 Hazard School has been the treasured home of the South Kingstown Inclusionary Preschool. We are fortunate to reside in this lovely old Tudor building, a national historic landmark, in the heart of Wakefield, Rhode Island. We currently provide (8) inclusionary half-day preschool sessions and (1) full day program for those students that are eligible. All classrooms are staffed by (1) certified teacher and (1) teaching assistant. Speech, occupational and physical therapy are provided to students who require such as part of their special educational services. All students take part in weekly language and sensory motor activities with the speech and occupational therapists. This provides a vehicle for monitoring and addressing concerns at the earliest possible moment and thus
reduces gaps in skill acquisition at a later date.
In order to provide the best possible programming for all of our students, a trandisciplinary team approach is used. This approach enables the coordination of instruction for students, allowing the service providers the opportunity to share and transfer information across disciplinary boundaries.
Building relationships with families based on mutual respect has been key to the success of our program. We recognize the role of family members as crucial in their child’s education and development and therefore encourage open and frequent communication. There are numerous opportunities for parents to volunteer both within their child’s classroom and throughout the school. We welcome and encourage parent participation on a variety of school based committees.
Given a strong foundation, it is our expectation that as children turn five years old they will demonstrate the confidence and readiness skills necessary to transition successfully to kindergarten. It is our pleasure, as SKIP staff, to provide these early experiences and building blocks which research has shown to be critical to later development.
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