Welcome to Hamilton-Wenham Integrated Preschool!
Our Philosophy & Curriculum
The Hamilton-Wenham Regional School District Integrated Preschool is designed to promote the physical, social-emotional, cognitive, and language development of children. Located at the Winthrop Elementary School, our classrooms are staffed by early childhood special education teachers, therapists, and teaching assistants to provide a low adult to child ratio.
The integrated preschool model provides inclusion of all children, those with special needs and those who are typically developing, with a well-structured setting and a rich, prekindergarten curriculum. Integration offers an ideal opportunity for children to work and play together, explore social relationships and develop self-esteem. We offer high quality, developmentally appropriate opportunities in a safe and nurturing environment. Parents are viewed as children’s first teachers and are critical partners in the care and education of their children.
The HWRSD Integrated Preschool curriculum follows The Guidelines for Preschool Curriculum Experiences based on the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and the educational approaches recommended by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Our curriculum combines intentionally planned learning, opportunities for child choice, indoor and outdoor play, and quiet experiences. Expressive arts, including music, are a vital part of each week. Our goal is to prepare our preschool students for Kindergarten in one of our three Hamilton-Wenham Regional School District Schools.
The Hamilton-Wenham Regional School District Integrated Preschool is designed to promote the physical, social-emotional, cognitive, and language development of children. Located at the Winthrop Elementary School, our classrooms are staffed by early childhood special education teachers, therapists, and teaching assistants to provide a low adult to child ratio.
The integrated preschool model provides inclusion of all children, those with special needs and those who are typically developing, with a well-structured setting and a rich, prekindergarten curriculum. Integration offers an ideal opportunity for children to work and play together, explore social relationships and develop self-esteem. We offer high quality, developmentally appropriate opportunities in a safe and nurturing environment. Parents are viewed as children’s first teachers and are critical partners in the care and education of their children.
The HWRSD Integrated Preschool curriculum follows The Guidelines for Preschool Curriculum Experiences based on the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks and the educational approaches recommended by the National Association for the Education of Young Children. Our curriculum combines intentionally planned learning, opportunities for child choice, indoor and outdoor play, and quiet experiences. Expressive arts, including music, are a vital part of each week. Our goal is to prepare our preschool students for Kindergarten in one of our three Hamilton-Wenham Regional School District Schools.
Integrated Classrooms Benefit ALL Children
Studies show that inclusion is beneficial for all students - not just for those who receive special education services. In fact, research clearly shows that integrated classrooms have positive short-term and long-term benefits for Peer Models. Peer Models are more patient and comfortable with differences. They also have increased positive self-esteem and diverse, caring relationships. Here's why:
1. An Integrated Model Tailors Teaching To Each Learner
All students learn differently. In an integrated classroom, teachers weave individualized instruction and support that can help ALL students make progress. Another key is the low teacher-to-student ratio, allowing for more one-on-one instruction.
2. An Integrated Model Makes Differences Less “Different”
Integrated classrooms are filled with diverse learners, each of whom has strengths and challenges. Inclusion gives kids a way to talk about how everyone learns in their own way, boosting empathy and self-esteem.
3. An Integrated Model Provides Support to All Students
An integrated classroom often brings specialists into the classroom. These professionals can provide information and suggestions to help all students.
Studies show that inclusion is beneficial for all students - not just for those who receive special education services. In fact, research clearly shows that integrated classrooms have positive short-term and long-term benefits for Peer Models. Peer Models are more patient and comfortable with differences. They also have increased positive self-esteem and diverse, caring relationships. Here's why:
1. An Integrated Model Tailors Teaching To Each Learner
All students learn differently. In an integrated classroom, teachers weave individualized instruction and support that can help ALL students make progress. Another key is the low teacher-to-student ratio, allowing for more one-on-one instruction.
2. An Integrated Model Makes Differences Less “Different”
Integrated classrooms are filled with diverse learners, each of whom has strengths and challenges. Inclusion gives kids a way to talk about how everyone learns in their own way, boosting empathy and self-esteem.
3. An Integrated Model Provides Support to All Students
An integrated classroom often brings specialists into the classroom. These professionals can provide information and suggestions to help all students.
Art in Ms. Moore's classroom.
Special Education
A wide range of programming and services are provided for students with special needs. These services are individualized and outlined in an Individual Education Plan. The needs, as determined by the parent/caregiver and the special education team, are the guiding factor in determining what services will be provided and the goals and objectives of these services. Service provision can range from therapies ( OT, Speech and Language, PT) to full classroom placement with many options and combination of services, determined by the needs of the student. The goal of all preschool programming is to provide the student to develop his/her skills to participate effectively in age appropriate activities. Referrals for evaluations come from many sources including, but not limited to, parents, community based preschool programs, hospitals, pediatricians, and Early Intervention.
Special education evaluations are offered throughout the school year. If at anytime you are concerned that your child may have a developmental delay, please call Maureen Smith at 978-626-0909.
A wide range of programming and services are provided for students with special needs. These services are individualized and outlined in an Individual Education Plan. The needs, as determined by the parent/caregiver and the special education team, are the guiding factor in determining what services will be provided and the goals and objectives of these services. Service provision can range from therapies ( OT, Speech and Language, PT) to full classroom placement with many options and combination of services, determined by the needs of the student. The goal of all preschool programming is to provide the student to develop his/her skills to participate effectively in age appropriate activities. Referrals for evaluations come from many sources including, but not limited to, parents, community based preschool programs, hospitals, pediatricians, and Early Intervention.
Special education evaluations are offered throughout the school year. If at anytime you are concerned that your child may have a developmental delay, please call Maureen Smith at 978-626-0909.
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All educational and non-academic programs, activities and employment opportunities at Hamilton-Wenham RSD are offered without regard to race, color, sex, religion, national origin, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, homelessness, age and/or, disability, and any other class or characteristic protected by law.
