Preschool Program
The preschool program serves children ages 3 to 5 years old with speech-language impairments and/or developmental delays in full or half day sessions, in community settings or in the home. Center-Based Services All classrooms follow the school calendar, Mon - Fri for children with intensive needs. Half day classrooms have a maximum of 12 students and full day classrooms have a maximum of 6 students. Each classroom is staffed with a special education teacher and at least one classroom aide. Center-based classrooms are available at Derby, North Street and Fredonia locations. Speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, play therapy, music therapy (North Street only), and family support are also available to ensure children receive comprehensive services.
Tuition
For students non-eligible through the NYS Department of Education, tuition rates and scholarships are available upon request. For more information call 716-885-8318.
Integrated Classrooms
Integrated classrooms are located throughout Erie and Chautauqua counties in a variety of settings, including Head Starts, day care centers and universal Pre-K's. Classes include six children with disabilities plus typical children from the community. Classrooms are staffed with a special education teacher and a classroom aide from BHSC, along with staff from the respective Head Start, day care center or preschool.
Community Services
Children may also receive speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, music therapy, family support and/or special education services in their home, day care, preschool or Head Start programs.
How to Access
These Services Children ages 3 to 5 years, with communication and/or developmental delays who are in need of special education services may be eligible. If you have concerns about your child's development or would like to inquire about an evaluation, contact the Committee on Preschool Special Education of your local school district.
Benefits
-
A warm, homelike setting with a small child to adult class ratio
-
An interdisciplinary approach • Developmentally appropriate techniques
-
Family-centered philosophy • Highly trained and qualified staff
-
Ongoing communication with parents • Field trips and social and cultural experiences
-
Tradition of providing children with services they need in order to develop to their full potential
-
Lending library for families
Evaluations
BHSC is an approved preschool evaluator through your school districts Committee on Preschool Special Education. Evaluations are conducted at our North Street, Fredonia, Derby, Sheridan Drive and Southgate Plaza locations, as well as in the home.
- Referrals to the CPSE are made by the parent or school district
- Requests for a referral can be made by a professional staff member, physician, judicial officer, public agency representative, approved preschool special education agency, or an Early Intervention official.
- CPSE evaluations are provided at no cost to the parents.
Required evaluation components include:
- Physical Exam
- Psychological Evaluation
- Social History
- Observation of the child in a natural setting
Other evaluations may include:
- Educational
- Speech/Language
- Occupational Therapy
- Physical Therapy
- Audiological
- Functional Behavioral Assessment
For more information please contact our North Street location at 716-885-8318 or our Fredonia location at 716-672-2731 or visit us on the web at www.askbhsc.org.
