Peer Program
What is the Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) Program at Underwood Hills?
Our program serves students with a variety of cultural, economic, and linguistic backgrounds. In our high quality early childhood program, we educate children with a wide range of abilities alongside their same age peers. Our program focuses on the development of social, language, literacy, math, cognitive, and physical skills. We use a comprehensive, research-based approach to early childhood education that emphasizes hands-on, project-based learning and play to foster children’s development in all areas. Our program follows the Westside school calendar and is Monday through Friday with part day and full day classes. This program is free to all 3 to 5 year old students who reside in the Westside boundaries.
Qualifications to become a peer in the ECSE Program at Underwood Hills?
- Children who will be 3 or 4 years of age by July 31st of the current school year may apply.
- Children turning 5 prior to July 31st are considered kindergarten eligible and are not eligible for our program.
- Students must be district residents.
How does my child become a peer in the ECSE Program at Underwood Hills?
A completed application can be submitted to the Early Childhood Special Education office (9030 Western Avenue) at Underwood Hills Early Learning Center or by emailing the program coordinator at avilla.michelle@westside66.net.
What happens after I turn in my application paperwork?
After submitting the completed application, you will be contacted by an ECSE team member to invite you to an informational family/child meeting that is held annually each spring.
What does the informational family/child meeting involve?
The meeting will take place at Underwood Hills Early Learning Center. Families will participate in a session to learn more about the Early Childhood Special Education program and this exciting educational opportunity. Children will participate in fun learning activities in a preschool classroom with other potential peers. Staff will use observations and checklists during this time to get to know the peers for future classroom placements. This opportunity will take approximately one hour.
What happens after the meeting?
After the informational meeting, all children in consideration for the peer program will be entered into a lottery drawing based on the number of openings. Families will be notified no later than May whether their child has been chosen for the Peer Program.
What happens if my child is chosen to be a peer in the ECSE Program at Underwood Hills?
Families will complete all the district expectations for enrollment (birth certificate, Immunization Record, and Proof of Address) and students will be assigned to a classroom. Families of peers are responsible for transporting their child to and from school.
If you have any questions about the Early Childhood Special Education Peer Program or application process, please contact us at 402- 390-2251.