Integrated Pre-K
The Hoosac Valley Regional School District's Integrated Preschool Program serves three and four-year-old children, both with and without disabilities, who live in Adams and Cheshire communities. Our programs are aligned to the Massachusetts Curriculum Framework for Prekindergarten, as well as the Massachusetts Standards for Preschool Social and Emotional Learning and Approaches to Play and Learning. Additionally, our program offers speech and language, occupational, and physical therapy, as well as behavioral support, vision, and hearing services for students who require them.
In accordance with state and federal regulations, children who have been found eligible for special education services can participate in our integrated program at no cost. Children who are typically developing are awarded seats based on availability through a lottery process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an integrated preschool program?
An integrated preschool classroom is an active, supportive, learning environment in which students with disabilities and typically developing peers learn together through developmentally appropriate theme-based activities and experiences.
What is taught in preschool?
Our programs are aligned to the Massachusetts Curriculum Framework for Prekindergarten, as well as the Massachusetts Standards for Preschool Social and Emotional Learning and Approaches to Play and Learning.
How will I know if my child is making progress?
Each child enrolled in preschool receives two progress reports, the first in January and the second in June. Each progress report provides a summary of the child's developmental skills. For students who receive special education and/or related services through an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), each family also receives a progress report specific to their child's measurable annual goals and objectives.
Is there preschool in the summer?
There is no preschool in the summer. Extended School Year services are provided to some students who receive special education services. Those decisions are made as part of the TEAM process.
What age can students start as peer models?
At this time, the HVRSD gives preference to students who are age 4 by September 1st. All peer models are selected through a lottery process.
Is there transportation for all students?
At this time, transportation is only provided to students who receive special education services and who require transportation as a result of their disability and/or in order to access their special education services.
What is the cost for peer models?
At this time, all children enrolled in our Integrated Preschool Program attend at no cost to families.
Is there a full day option for peer models?
No, at this time, all peer models are only provided half-day programming. Many of our families choose to enroll their children in partner early learning programs for the other half of the school day.
Do peer models have to come everyday?
At this time, our peer models are required to attend all 4 days of preschool. This requirement is in place to ensure we are in compliance with our state mandated ratios of typically developing students to students who receive special education services.
Can I choose if my child attends the morning or afternoon session?
At this time, families are able to express a preference that their child participate in a specific session (morning or afternoon), but the final decision of placement resides with the district.