Thinking about the Olathe school district peer-model preschool next year for my son next Fall. Any moms out there whose children attend this program at any of the sites in the district and what are your thoughts?
Thanks so much!
My 3 1/2 yr old is in the peer-model program at Madison Place Elem. in Miss Wilkens class. It's great, he's learning so much and the teachers are wonderful. They have about 10 kids in the class with the main teacher and 3 paras to help. We are doing the program again next year. Love it, love it, love it!
Two of my three sons have been peers at Olathe schools (my third son is only 2, but we plan to send him when he is old enough). We have had nothing but positive experiences with it. We have been at 2 different schools with 3 different teachers and have loved it. I want my kids to understand that there are all kinds of people in this world. That is sometimes hard to do out here in Johnson county. I want them to be comfortable with people in wheelchairs and not stare, I want them to learn tolerance and acceptance of all people regardless of their abilities and to realize that everyone has something special to offer to others. This is a great program for that. Also, as far as the cirriculum, I think it was fine. And they have the added benefit of being in the elementary school so they get to go to PE and music and art and all the specials (that is what they call them in the Olathe district).
I think it is a great program, but you do need to call soon. When my first son went through it was free, now there is a charge but I still think they get a lot of requests. Your son will have to be evaluated and I think they start that process in February.
Hope that helps some and good luck to you!
I can attest that the Clearwater Creek program is GREAT. They have the most educated and caring staff. Our experience with the staff at Ravenwood was short but positive. I know they have a new lead teacher this year but a few of the paras are still there. Hope U are able to get a spot!
I am not sure about the Olathe district, but they could have a waiting list. I know my district only takes so many peers and the spots fill up very quickly. So, if you are thinking of it you might want to check into it now. They usually have preschool screenings once a month.
A V, It is a wonderful program. I've had a child attend as a peer model and one with special needs. They have a great program. Of course, as with any school it all depends on the teacher you get. Our experience was very positive.
M.
I think it would be an amazing experience for your child. My son attends Heartland as a child with a disability. He does complain that this second year there isn't as much learning but we do make up for it at home. All in all though I would highly recommend the program.
Hi,
Our daughter was a peer-model student at Heartland Elementary, gosh 9-10 years ago now?
Looking back now it was OK. She certainly got more than maybe a traditional daycare situation but she wanted so much more "learning" than what she was getting there, we did a lot more at home.
Our daughter's birthday is October 1st so she had to wait that entire year before starting kindergarten. So she was a peer-model student when she was 4 and 5 years old. The activities the second year were the EXACT same as the prior year and sometimes mundane to her.
Now on the bright side. . . I do believe that because of that experience at such an early age she is a very accepting/loving 14 year old now. Kids with emotional difficulties and/or physical and cognitive issues don't bother her. She sees the blessings of all people! And because she was a peer-model student she was required to ride the bus with the kids and I think that made the transition to school as a semi-independent kid much easier.
I would say, go for it. All in all it was a very positive experience. But if you have a bright/focused kid you may have to follow up at home with more reading and activities.
Feel free to contact me for more info.
Lori Krause
____@____.com
Hi -
I LOVE the peer model program through the school district! I have had/have 2 kids go through the program, and just got my 3rd signed up to start next year. My daughter went to Harmony Early Childhood Center, and my son goes to Sunnyside. The teachers are awesome, as is the program. I would highly highly recommend doing the program!! If your child will be ready next year, you need to start the enrollment process now. You'll want to contact Kim Russell - you can find her info on the school district website. FYI - my kids are all peers, however my nephew was also in the program (he has Downs Syndrome) and the program was awesome for him as well!
