Kyrene School District
2011-2012
Meet Our Staff
Manitas Staff
District Specialists
 Lori Conroy, Special Education
Preschool Teacher
 Mary Dulin-Special Education
 Sara Shuster, Special Education
Preschool Teacher
 Sandy Hill, Speech/Language
Pathologist in both classrooms
 Kim Cantelmo and Yvonne Pinckard
full-time assistants in Lori’s class
 Marita Hinojos and Karin Wade fulltime assistants in Sara’s class
•Shari Dukes- Director of Special
Education
•Occupational Therapist-Alex Osses
•Ann Pinkwasser- Physical Therapist
•Susan Swanson and Janet Fukuda
Assistive Technology Specialist
•Behavior Specialist-Rene Wozniak
Program Description
We are a language based, integrated program
including children ages 3-5 who have differing
abilities
We provide early intervention services to
children who have developmental delays and
school readiness skills for all children.
We provide a structured preschool experience
and prepare students for school.
Program Philosophy
 young children learn best through play activities
 these play activities need to be appropriate to the child’s
DEVELOPMENTAL level, not necessarily the child’s AGE level
 learning is maximized when children are given the opportunity to make
choices AND are provided with some adult directed activities
 children learn by imitation, therefore “typical” peers are an integral
part of the program
 learning is enhanced when children can predict expectations, therefore
the program utilizes a structured routine
 the curriculum areas addressed in the program are social, language,
cognitive, fine and gross motor, and self-help skills
Typical Daily Schedule
 Opening
 Free Play
 Circle
 Small Groups
 Bathroom Break
 Gross Motor Play
 Snack
 Closing
Daily Schedule
Activities for Learning
Block Center
Art Center
Listening Center
Games and Puzzles
Book Center
Manipulative/Math Center
Science/Nature Center
Housekeeping Center
Computer Center
Writing Center
Phonological Awareness
(ex: letter names and sounds,
rhyming, beginning word
sounds, sound
discrimination)
Cooking
Music
Circle Time
Free Play
Plan Time
Snack
Outside Play
Sensory
Library
Reading Buddies
Assemblies
Dramatic Play
Pick
A
Place
To
Play
Social Skills/Character Education
Programs
Character Counts-Program to develop responsible,
caring individuals. Based on six pillars of character.
Trustworthiness
Respect
Responsibility
Fairness
Caring
Citizenship
Manitas B’s
•Be Safe
•Be Respectful
•Be Responsible
•B coupons: collect five and get
a certificate and name
announced on announcements.
Assessment
Assessment is on-going and can be conducted in large or
small groups, as well as individually.
Informal
observations
CriterionReferenced
Tests
Checklists
Standardized
Tests
Teaching
Gold
Assessment
Anecdotal
Records
Language
Samples
Parent/Teacher Communication
Biweekly
Newsletter
Super
Stars
Phone or
Email
Skills or
Teaching
Gold
Report
Sound
Bags
Conferences,
Home Visits
or Family
Nights
Role of Typical Peer
Provide appropriate models for speech
and language, behavior, etc.
Develop friendships and love of
learning
Participate cooperatively in a variety
of pre-academic activities during
which they experience many
opportunities for personal growth
What’s In A Wednesday?!?
Home visits as needed for children with special
needs
Screenings/evaluations
Placement meetings
Progress reviews
Staff development
Team Planning
District team meetings
Transition meetings with kindergarten staff
Impact on Elementary Schools
 Provides children and families with a positive first
experience in school
 Prepares children for their kindergarten experience
 Creates a smooth transition from preschool to
kindergarten. Transition plans begin in January of each
year for children with different needs.
 Because not all elementary schools have preschool
programs, the district is divided into preschool regions.
Children are usually serviced at their home school or the
school closest to their home school.
PTO
 First Meeting of the Year: Tuesday, August 30 (in the
Media Center/Library) @ 6:30pm
 Free Childcare is Provided
 What is the PTO?
 Parent Teacher Organization
 PTO supports School Events, Organizes Fundraisers,
Plans Community Nights and supports the teachers with
supplies, materials and funds professional development
opportunities.