Lakeland Preschool

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Lakeland School Corporation Preschool Mission:

Our mission is to provide the best possible initial school experience for all students, both academically and socially.

Lakeland School Corporation Preschool Vision:

Lakeland Preschool will develop learners who are excited, curious, problem solvers who can apply knowledge to unique situations independently and collaboratively.

Lakeland School Corporation Preschool Program Philosophy:

At Lakeland School Corporation Preschool, we believe that all children can learn. We provide an engaging environment where children learn and grow through play. We believe that preschool should be child-oriented, with the teacher acting as a facilitator for learning and creativity. We feel that children are active learners and encourage a “hands-on” & “minds-on'' approach to learning. We strive to promote academic, social, and physical development. We aspire to build the foundation for how children perceive themselves: engaged learners, confident individuals, and caring members of our community. We feel this is initiated by their early experiences, and by building a strong foundation, we will increase the likelihood of our children becoming productive citizens.

Lakeland School Corporation Preschool Goals:

Children

• Promote social-emotional development by providing a safe, nurturing environment where trusted and caring relationships are formed
• Support the growth of functional independence, completion of tasks, and self-directed regulation
• Provide a variety of materials for the development of literacy and mathematical understanding
• Create opportunities for imaginative exploration leading to confident, creative self-expression

Staff

• Support children emotionally and socially by ensuring staff has the appropriate training and supervision so they can be responsible to each individual child while encouraging self-care, independence and self-regulation
• Encourage children intellectually through ample opportunities for interactive exploration of a variety of tasks and topics
• Promote the physical development of each child through offering  diverse and interactive indoor and outdoor spaces for physical activity and exploration

Families

• Support their child/children’s learning and development
• Share in decisions about their child/children’s care and education

Lakeland School Corporation Preschool offers children a quality, safe, and nurturing environment. Our curriculum is based on Indiana's Early Learning Standards. Our caring educators will provide many developmentally appropriate learning opportunities for a child to grow academically, socially and physically.

At Lakeland School Corporation Preschools, all children will be exposed to and spend time exploring language, letters, numbers, and counting as part of their play and daily activities. Themes are introduced throughout the year based on holidays, seasons, animals, books, and more. The interests of each group of children helps keep our theme ideas fresh and exciting!

The children are given the chance to explore and learn through their play. Centers such as dramatic play, blocks, music, science, writing, and library are regularly changed to keep children interested. The children are engaged in sharing, taking turns, and communicating with others. 

Although it may seem like fun and games to preschoolers, The Play to Learn and Pocket of Preschool curriculum that we follow is packed with educational elements. Games and activities that teach pre-reading skills like phonemic awareness; basic math concepts; and hands-on science exploration are used regularly. Gross motor skills and social skills are developed through both structured and unstructured play.

Special Education

The school provides a variety of special education programs for students identified as having a disability as defined by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). A student can access special education services only through the proper evaluation and placement procedure. Parent involvement in this procedure is required.  More importantly, the school encourages the parent to be an active participant. To inquire about the procedure, a parent should contact Stephanie Osborn, Director of Special Education and/or Sam Plew, Principal and Director of Lakeland Preschools. 

Preschool is unique when it comes to special education . First Steps is the first place for a parent/guardian to start if they have concerns prior to the age of 3. At 3, a transition and re-evaluation must be completed; if the student qualifies he or she would then have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and receive services through the Local Education Agency (LEA). If a parent begins to have concerns after the age of 3, then they can contact our corporation office and speak with Stephanie Osborn, Director of Special Education. This is unique because any student whether they are in preschool or not has the ability to request an evaluation.

Strategies for Special Education

Environment: Arrange the classroom furnishings so all children-including children with visual or physical disabilities-can move and maneuver around the room and learning centers by themselves. Make sure materials are within reach. Watch for classroom clutter and unstable flooring (throw rugs that move easily) that make the classroom space inaccessible for some children.

Routines: The best routines have a predictable beginning, middle, and end. Use visual supports, such as pictures or props, to teach children routines, help them stay engaged, and aid them in transitioning between different activities.

Peers: Peers who do not have disabilities can model positive social and communication skills and demonstrate everyday routines that young children with disabilities can imitate. Classmates can also help children develop social relationships and increase their motivation to be part of classroom activities.

Materials: Modifying materials in the classroom can have a big impact on independence. Add pencil grips to crayons and markers to make them easier for children with motor difficulties to hold. Gluing small knobs to puzzle pieces make them easier to pick up. 

Collaboration with the Northeast Indiana Special Education Cooperative (NEISEC)

Lakeland School Corporation is a participating member of the Northeast Indiana Special Education Cooperative. Psychological services, such as testing for disabilities, are provided by Lakeland. Please contact our Director of Special Education, Stephanie Osborn, at 499-2400 for more information. NEISEC also provides an Early Intervention preschool for students with more severe disabilities. That program is currently housed at Wolcott Mills Elementary.

• NEW LSC PROGRESSIVE DISCIPLINE HANDBOOK NOVEMBER 2020 for Board revisions approved11-14-22