About the program:

• Children participate in an interdisciplinary play-based group one morning a week from early October to early May. Directing teachers and the NCRC Child Development Team work together to engage the children in small group instruction targeting all developmental domains: social-emotional, communication, self-help, fine/gross motor, and cognitive skills. Weekly parent participation is required for this program through a series of parent education opportunities including a weekly, in-person parent group meeting with the School Counselor on Wednesday mornings, from 8:45 am to 9:30 am. The focus of the parent meeting is to discuss child development, parenting strategies, and resources in the community.

PROGRAM COMPONENTS & HOME VISITS:

• In order to promote generalization of current curriculum targets in the home environment, Early Beginnings families are scheduled for home visits in approximately three- to six-week intervals. For each home visit, a representative from CDT teams up with one of the Early Learning teachers to engage both parent and child in games and activities that follow the classroom themes, enrich speech and language skills, and reinforce sensory motor skills and social play. 
   

• All children who participate in EB have a Classroom Support Plan (CSP) created for them in collaboration with the CDT and the classroom teachers. The CSP identifies developmental goals for children, and is utilized as a guide for promoting growth and development across all classroom, small group, specials, and outdoor activities. The CSP is particularly helpful for planning activities for your child both in the classroom and on the home visit. Although home visits are not considered therapy sessions, they do offer parents an opportunity for extra support in promoting their child’s development. Families are encouraged to share not only their triumphs, but also their challenges so that home visits can be tailored to meet immediate needs. 

  Once a child transitions from the Early Beginnings Program into NCRC’s Preschool tier they will typically be invited to attend the weekly Play Pals program.

Speech and language development happens on a continuum with children reaching communicative milestones at varying paces. NCRC’s speech-language pathologist employs speech and language screening procedures to promote early identification of children at risk for speech sound disorders, developmental language disorders. Screening referrals can be made by the CDT, a child’s teaching team or directly by the family.

Young children learn to process sensory information from the environment and within their bodies at different rates. Sometimes a child’s behavior or motor performance may interfere with his or her ability to participate in all aspects of the school day in an expected way. An occupational therapy screening helps to assess the underlying sensory processing and motor skills that may be contributing to any observed difficulties. NCRC’s occupational therapist employs sensory and motor screenings to promote early identification of children at risk for developmental delay. Screening referrals can be made by the CDT, teaching teams or directly by the family.

When a child is identified as needing some additional supports or adaptation the Child Development Team (CDT) meets with parents and teachers to develop a plan for in school interventions. The CDT assists families with engaging with professionals in the community who provide Occupational Therapy, Social-Emotional Support, and Speech and Language Therapy.

• Lunchtime Parent Zoom Chats: During these midday discussions, parents hear from NCRC faculty about important topics in early childhood development, education, and the overall preschool experience.
   
• Friday Morning Gatherings: Each month we host small groups of current NCRC grownups (current parents, grandparents, and caregivers) to meet with Ms. Judith to discuss how best to support and encourage our students with an emphasis on parenting tips and strategies.
   
• Parent Education Exchange: Our community gatherings facilitate conversations about current topics including child development, temperament, safety, inclusivity, and integrity, and how to live the NCRC mission.
   
• Fall & Spring Outdoor Education Trips: Current and alumni families enjoy overnight camping trips and day-long outings for our Early Learners. Offered in collaboration with Horizons Outdoor Learning Center, 

CDC Developmental Milestones

Zero to Three

National Association For The Education of Young Children

American Speech-Language Hearing Association (ASHA) Milestones

The CDT works collaboratively with teaching teams to determine when a Classroom Support Plan (CSP) is needed to create a bridge between a child’s current developmental level and end of year goals.

Within the framework of Early Childhood Education the CDT provides regular inservice training to all members of the faculty on important themes in child development.