NORTHEAST EARLY CHILDHOOD
CENTER
COMMUNITY-BASED PRESCHOOLS
The preschools are open to any child in our community. The
programs serve both children with disabilities and normally developing peers.
The preschool follows the Glenwood Community School District’s calendar year.
There are two morning sessions and one afternoon session.
The staff consists of three certified Early Childhood Special
Education teachers and classroom associates. The program is based on the
research-based Iowa Early Learning Standards with corresponding Glenwood
Community School District preschool standards and benchmarks. The preschool
team believes that young children “learn by actively participating within their
environment” or in a hands-on approach. Learning is facilitated through the
staff by providing children with open-ended materials, experiences that are
meaningful to them, and support through active involvement from the adults.
The preschool children engage in a daily routine that consists of
the plan-do-review process that enables children to express their intentions,
carry them out, and reflect on what they have done. Small group time encourages
children to explore and experiment with new or familiar materials that adults
have selected based on their daily observations of children’s interests, the key
experiences, and local events. In large group time, both children and adults
initiate music and movement activities, re-enact stories, and have group
discussions.
The children engage in social relations with peers and adults
throughout their entire preschool session. Children are able to learn and
function in the preschool at their own developmental age level.
