Regional Program for Preschool Handicapped Children *

This comprehensive program increases the verbal, perceptual, motor, and general cognitive skills of preschool children with disabilities.

Unique features of the program include the following components:

• The Interactive Teaching Process. Special education teachers, teacher aides, and clinical team members provide diagnostic/ prescriptive teaching, language intervention, and positive reinforcement on a continual basis in the classroom.
• The Transdisciplinary Team Model. Team members train each other and share roles in assessment, intervention, and consultation.
• Parent Involvement Model. There is an individualized approach to parent participation, including a parent volunteer system and parent group meetings.

Professional Development

Replication training in each or all of the components is available to any preschool program, including Head Start programs. All preschool staff, including teachers, clinical team members, and paraprofessionals, should be involved in the training. One or 2 days of training are provided based on a needs assessment process with the training site. Project staff may attend out-of-state awareness meetings and conferences.

Costs & Funding Options

Special staffing for implementation should include a speech therapist to work with the teacher on a part-time basis and other professionals available as appropriate to the program.