The Los Lunas Schools Preschool Special Education Program provides services to developmentally disabled preschool children between the ages of 3 and 5 and support to their families. Our goal is to better prepare them for school and reduce the need for special education services once they begin kindergarten.

The preschool staff encourages parents and families to be involved in the education of their child. Preschool teachers, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, school social workers, and instructional assistants provide instruction and play.

Philosophy

The Preschool Special Education Program adopts the philosophy that every child is unique with an individual pattern of growth and development. The program goals, curriculum and materials are developmentally appropriate and directed to differing abilities which are addressed at the IEP. The program provides a safe and nurturing environment which promotes and integrates the physical, cognitive, social, emotional, communication, and self-help areas of development through classroom activities.

Child Find Screenings

Los Lunas Schools' Child Find Team offers screenings to pre-school aged children who are suspected of having a delay or impairment in one or more of the following areas:

• Speech
• Language
• Hearing
• Concepts/Cognitive Development
• Social/Emotional Development
• Self-Help Skills
• Motor Skills
• Vision

If questionable delays are identified, an evaluation of these delays is given.

Qualifying Criteria

When an evaluation is complete, the Child Find Team, which includes the parents/guardians, diagnostician, speech-language pathologist, motor therapist, and/or school social worker, meets to discuss the results of the test and the eligibility of the child. Eligibility for the preschool developmentally delayed program and/or related services are determined by:

• The child being at least three years of age during the school year, but less than five by September 1st of the same school year.
• Meeting the criteria for preschool placement of related services if child is 2 (two) or more standard deviations below the mean or 30% below chronological age in one or more of the following areas:

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Placement

Eligible children will be placed in their neighborhood school setting. Other placement considerations:

• Home address/daycare address of child. Every effort is made to place the child in an appropriate program closest to home.
• AM or PM session determined by home address/daycare address and the Department of Transportation.
• Severity of handicap. Child Find Team and/or IEP Team determines most beneficial placement for each child.
• Appropriate service options: therapy only, Los Lunas Schools' Preschool Program with therapy services. Head Start with therapy services, homebound program, no services.

Pre-School Program Goals

• Progressing towards optimal physical, social/emotional, behavioral, and cognitive potential through individualized and group instruction
• Being involved in active learning experiences in a nurturing environment that encourages independence and self-esteem.
• Experiencing a positive, non-competitive, non-sexist atmosphere that fosters an acceptance of the uniqueness of self and others.
• Engaging in developmentally-sequenced activities that contribute to total progress and are also enjoyable and meaningful.
• Experiencing numerous learning opportunities through structures and free play, learning centers, field trips, environmental awareness, and sensory activities.
• Utilizing communication skills (oral, written, listening, reading) that are interwoven into daily experiences.
• Gaining opportunities for family involvement that strengthen the educational program, enhance experiences, and lay a foundation for positive home-school partnership.
• Benefiting from an individualized assessment of ongoing educational and developmental needs in terms of physical, emotional, social, and intellectual growth
• Receiving necessary support services from trained personnel who have an understanding of early childhood development.

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Any parent/guardian who has concerns about the development of their child is encouraged to call us and make an appointment for a screening. If a child fails the screening, a more comprehensive assessment is scheduled at that time to determine the child's educational needs.

If you, or a family you know, might benefit from our services, please call 866-2440 for an appointment.

Child Find Brochure in ,pdf format

Screening Dates (by appointment only)
Once a week, every Wednesday (August through May)
Summer Screening (June-July: twice a month or as needed)

Los Lunas Schools
PO Box 1300
Los Lunas, New Mexico 87031

Deborah Dominguez-Clark
Assistant Superintendent of Special Programs
505-866-2440

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