Early Childhood Center
775 Yampa Avenue, Craig, CO 81625
970-824-7457
carol.taylor@moffatsd.org
Director: Carol Taylor
Secretary/Health Technician: Lila Douglas
Preschool Event Calendar
The Early Childhood Center is the hub of all district early childhood educational programs and services including inclusive preschool education, Child Find, Colorado Preschool Program, early chilhdood special education and related services. Educational services are provided for young children ages birth to five years old. Programs are implemented in accordance with regulations, guidelines and statutes established by the Colorado legislature, Colorado Department of Education, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Exceptional Children’s Education Act (ECEA), the Colorado Department of Human Services and the Colorado Preschool Program Act as outlined in Colorado School Law.
Mission: To provide high quality early childhood education for young children in Moffat County through research and evidence based practices.
Vision: All children will enter Kindergarten ready to learn. Readiness is obtained by having developmentally appropriate competency in the following areas: social and emotional development, language and communication skills, fine and gross motor abilities and the capacity to solve problems and think independently.
Guiding Principles of the Early Childhood Center
We believe . . . . .
all children should have opportunities to develop and learn at a unique and individual pace, in a safe,
friendly and caring environment, that meets the needs of each child
all children are unique, having individual strengths and talents.
children grow and develop in the context of relationships with their families, other children and significant
individuals.
children with and without special needs learn important things from one another.
the presence of a disability is not the defining characteristic of any child.
early learning experiences provide a better opportunity for future success in school and life.
parents are a child’s first teacher, thus we encourage positive relationships between school and parents, working
towards the achievement of shared goals.
Child Find
Free developmental screening and assessment is available to children birth to five years old. Any child who has concerns in one or more of the following areas is eligible for this free service: speech and language development, social or emotional competency usually exhibted by challenging behavior, fine or gross motor development, thinking, learning or problem solving. Currently the school district contracts with Horizon's Specialized Services for screening and assessment of children birth to three years old. For more information contact the Child Find Coordinator at 970-824-7457.
Colorado Preschool Program
Provides funding for preschool for children ages 3, 4 or 5 years old, that are not eligible for Kindergarten. Eligibility is based up biological, environmental and/or familial risk factors. Applications are acceptable year-round. Contact the director for an application.
Early Intervention Services
Through special education and related services, children identified with significant delays and disabilities can receive free educational and related services such as speech therapy, occupational therapy, early chilhdood special education, physical therapy and early chilhdood mental health services. These services are generally provided in an integrated preschool setting.
Inclusive Preschool Education
Two sessions of preschool are offered in a multi-age, integrated setting at each elementary school as well as at the Early Childhood Center located at the district's adminstration building. All programs operate under the cooperative supervison of the District's Preschool Director and elementary principals. Preschool classrooms are multi-age and comprised of children of diverse populations including but not limited to children with and without disabilities, genders, ethnicities and ages.
Morning Session 7:45 am - 11:00 am
Afternoon Session 11:50 am - 3:05 pm
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Location |
Teachers |
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Early Childhood Center |
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East Elementary Preschool |
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Ridgeview Elementary Preschool |
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Sandrock Elementary Preschool |
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Sunset Elementary Preschool |
Developmentally Appropriate Practice
Developmentally appropriate practice is simply defined as teaching in ways that match children's developmental levels and learning styles. It offers challenges just beyond the level of their present mastery and it takes place in the context of a community where children are safe and valued and where their physical needs are met. Play is an essential component to early development in cognitive, physical, social, emotional, motor and communication. Age appropriate and individually appropriate activities and experiences are planned based upon knowledge of the child’s individual development and learning --- that of his/her strengths, interests and needs.
