• Overview of the Integrated Preschool Program

    The Allendale School District offers a half-day, integrated preschool program.  An integrated classroom incorporates the education of general education preschoolers with preschoolers with special needs. The teacher of the class is certified in both general and special education.  

    Students with special needs are placed in the program through an evaluation process performed by the Office of Special Services. General education students apply and are determined, by lottery, if the number of applications exceeds the number of available spaces. A waiting list will be developed comprised of additional names in order of the draw. All students attend for five half days per week. 3-4 year olds attend the morning session from 9:00-11:30 a.m., and 4-5 year-olds attend the afternoon session from 12:30-3:00 p.m.

    The integrated preschool program follows the Tools of the Mind curriculum.  Tools of the Mind places a strong emphasis on self-regulation skills, early reading and writing skills, and social play with peers. Each day, children participate in activities to build upon preschool and kindergarten readiness skills. These activities include scaffolded writing experiences, play-based centers, small group math, science, and literacy, and large-group literacy activities. Tools of the Mind offers a developmentally-appropriate approach to learning that helps children become engaged in thematic units and lessons.