Finding the right preschool is important for every child. For children with serious injuries, illnesses or disabilities, it’s especially important to choose a school that meets their unique needs. These children may need extra support, therapy, medical care or special teaching methods to help them grow and learn. Therapeutic preschool can offer the support these children need. When it comes to supporting a child’s well-being, early intervention is essential. One systematic review found that early intervention programs increase the overall socio-emotional and physical well-being of children in early childhood and educational settings.
Not all preschool programs are the same. Some may offer more inclusive services than others, for example. When you want to find the best preschool for your child, it’s important to research your options.
5 things to know about a preschool for children with serious injury, illness or disability
Before enrolling your child, here are five essential things to know about a preschool program:
- Program details — Many preschools focus on learning only. Children with serious medical conditions or disabilities may need more than education, such as therapy, medical support and a safe environment designed for their needs. At a therapeutic preschool, children can get access to an inclusive classroom. In these classrooms, children with and without disabilities learn together. Therapy services may be incorporated into the school day. Throughout each day, a structured schedule can help children feel safe and supported. A great therapeutic preschool will blend education and care to help all children learn and grow.
- Types of support — Many children with disabilities need regular therapy or medical care. A therapeutic preschool provides these services during the school day. This means children don’t have to go to many locations for care. Common support services include physical therapy, assistive technology and medical care. A therapeutic preschool will have trained medical nurses on staff to assist students. Having therapeutic and medical resources available in one place can make things simpler for everyone. As a parent or caregiver, you can avoid the time-consuming process of taking your child to several different appointments. At the same time, your child can get the consistent therapy they need without disrupting their learning.
- Safety and accessibility — A child with a disability should have a preschool that is safe and easy to navigate. A good therapeutic preschool will be designed with accessibility and safety in mind. Not sure whether a preschool has good accommodations and safety protocols? Look for things like wheelchair-accessible classrooms and adaptive furniture. You can also look into the school’s health and safety procedures. A well-designed therapeutic preschool allows every child to participate fully, no matter their physical needs.
- Parental involvement — At a therapeutic preschool, parents are partners in their child’s learning and care. A good therapeutic preschool will encourage parents to be involved so children get support at both school and home. There are many ways parents might stay involved. For example, you can meet with teachers and therapists to track your child’s progress. You can attend workshops and training to learn at-home care strategies. You can also attend preschool-hosted family events to build a community with other families and children. When parents and teachers work as a team, children often feel more supported.
- Transition support — Moving from preschool to kindergarten can be a big change for any child. For a child with a serious illness, injury or disability, this transition might feel especially intimidating. A good therapeutic preschool will help children and families prepare. This can help everyone feel more confident about the next steps. Transition support might involve teaching independence-oriented skills. At a top-notch therapeutic preschool, all care will be tailored to the needs of each child. With the right preparation, children can move to kindergarten feeling prepared and excited.
Enroll your child in Ability KC’s therapeutic preschool
At Ability KC, we offer an inclusive and therapeutic learning environment through the Mary Shaw Branton Therapeutic Preschool, designed to support children of all abilities. Our program combines learning, therapy and medical support in one place. This helps children develop skills, make friends and get ready for kindergarten. If you’re looking for a preschool that provides the right balance of care and learning, reach out. Our team is here to answer your questions and help you take the next step toward enrollment. We can work together to give your child the strong foundation they deserve. Our preschool has National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) accreditation.
Ability KC is a designated Comprehensive Outpatient Rehabilitation Facility (CORF). We also have a Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) accreditation. Contact our team today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment. If you’re interested in our therapeutic preschool program, please fill out our inquiry form.