Who We Are

The Bedford High Integrated Preschool is an integrated preschool, serving children ages 3 – 5. The curriculum is comprised of structured and play activities in a fun, physical, safe environment. We provide special education and regular education services in an inclusive setting, where the role of the adults is to support and facilitate each child's learning. We strive to promote a child's cognitive, language, physical, social, and emotional development through an integrated approach to learning. We maintain a balanced enrollment between children who are typically developing and children who may have some combination of language, motor, and/or social delays. The Bedford High Integrated Preschool is taught by a highly qualified team of teachers including: a Special Education Teacher, Speech Pathologist, Occupational Therapist and Physical Therapist for up to 15 children. In addition to our MA licensed teachers, high school students taking early childhood education classes, participate in each daily session. They are given the opportunity to apply what they are learning in the preschool classroom. Bedford High Integrated Preschool follows the MA Guidelines for Preschool Learning Experiences with modifications and accommodations for students identified with special needs.

The Bedford High Integrated Preschool currently has one Integrated Preschool classroom. The session operates 5 days each week from 8:30 – 12:00. We follow the Bedford Public Schools calendar.

Staff:

Special Education Teacher

The special educator teaches the preschool curriculum according to the Massachusetts state frameworks. A special education teacher is professionally skilled in understanding the different ways students learn. If a student has difficulties, the teacher will help modify how information is presented in the classroom in order to create a successful environment for the student. The special education teacher also helps foster the social-emotional development of the whole child.

Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)

An SLP works with children both in and out of the classroom setting. An SLP helps develop a child's understanding and ability to express language. This therapist works with children who have difficulty producing non- developmental speech sounds, which impacts their overall speech intelligibility. An SLP also works with children who have difficulty with oral motor skills as well as auditory processing (listening) difficulties. In addition, SLP's develop alternative forms of communication when students display difficulty communicating effectively.

Occupational Therapist (OT)

OT's provide activities both in and out of the classroom using specialized equipment as needed to improve a child's sensory motor skill development including fine motor, visual motor and self-help skills. These skills are needed for play, academic readiness, and daily school activities.

Physical Therapist (PT)

The PT is a professional specially trained to work on motor (physical movement) and neuromuscular difficulties. When a child experiences difficulty performing everyday activities, the PT finds ways to accommodate for the child's physical difficulties so that tasks may be completed. PT's help children promote movement, function, and independence in daily activities.