Kinderquest at Wilson Primary Center

A full continuum of special education programs is available to students three to five years of age who have been evaluated by the child study team and found eligible for special education and related services.

When a preschooler is found eligible and classified as “a preschool child with disability,” an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) that describes in detail the child’s present level of functioning, goals and objectives, and special education program is developed by the IEP team (parents, case manager, general education teacher, and special education teacher) and implemented after parents have provided written consent. Programs are designed to appropriately meet each preschooler’s learning needs in the least restrictive environment. When the IEP team determines that a student’s needs cannot be met with supplementary aids and services in an early childhood program operated by an agency other than the board of education, program options in district are considered.

Summit operates preschool classes that are located at The Primary Centers at Wilson and Jefferson schools. Self-contained classes are taught by certified special education teachers. These classes are comprised of up to 12 youngsters 3-5 years of age. One of the self-contained classes has a maximum of six students and is based on the principles of Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA). The remaining classes are general education classes with a maximum of 15 students. Of the 15, up to nine of them are 3-5 year old typical preschoolers. No more than six youngsters who are classified as “a preschool child with a disability” are included in the general education setting.

Children gain admittance to the general education classes via a lottery held in late winter. These preschool classes must be taught by a general education teacher, although classes may be staffed with teachers who are dually certified in special education and general education.
Preschool classes are staffed by a teacher and two instructional assistants.~ Speech therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and a behaviorist provide related services and/or consultation in accordance with the IEPs of classified students.
With the exception of the full-day self-contained class, preschool classes are in session 10 hours a week, four days a week (Monday through Thursday). Fridays are devoted to staff collaboration, planning, and parent education. A full-day program (26.5 hours) is available Monday through Friday. Decisions relative to program placement are made by the IEP team to ensure that the unique learning needs of each student are met.

Child Ages:

3 years - 5 years

Licenses & Accreditations:

New Jersey Department of Children and Families

Preschool:

Yes

Hours of Operation:

Monday - Friday: 8:15AM- 3:30PM