Hudson School District

Integrated Preschool Program

Preschool Outcomes

Our integrated preschool program addresses three main outcomes for all preschoolers:

• 1. Children have positive social relationships.
• 2. Children acquire and use knowledge and skills.
• 3. Children take appropriate actions to meet their needs.

Guiding Principles

Adopted from NH Early Learning Curriculum Guidelines for Young Children with Disabilities Ages 3-5 

• All children are valued members of our community.
• Families are the primary caregivers and educators of young children.
• Early learning and development are multi-dimensional.
• Developmental domains are highly interrelated.
• Young children are capable and competent, and exhibit a range of skills in any domain of development.
• Children are individuals who develop at different rates.
• Knowledge of typical child growth and development is essential for providing the best early learning experiences for children.
• Assessment is important and benefits individual children, families, and programs.
• Young children learn through active exploration of their environment.  

Preschool Program Descriptions 

All Preschool Programs

• Are housed within Nottingham West Elementary School
• Each week, a different theme is utilized for instruction
• The team of educators and related service staff consult together regularly to provide age-appropriate activities that support the development of the whole child, including pre-academic skills, social skills, play skills, communication skills, and fine and gross motor skills.
• Are language based and utilize the district's reading program.

Integrated Preschool Program: 10 Hours a Week (Two Classes)

• 2.5 hours a day, Monday through Thursday
• Sessions offered in the morning and afternoon, with the morning program generally serving children 3-4 years of age while the afternoon classes serve students who are 4-5 years of age.
• A typical preschool environment in which children engage in activities that support social skills, self-help skills, gross motor movement, fine motor skills, and early academic learning.
• All sessions are integrated programs; children without identified educational disabilities participate in all aspects of programming

Integrated Preschool Program: 28 Hours a Week

• Intensive, needs-based programming.
• 6 hours a day, Monday through Thursday, and 4 hours on Friday.
• During the morning, students work on individual educational goals, activities of daily living skills, and communication skills. Programming in this classroom is individually based on students' needs, providing more frequent opportunities to learn and practice new skills.
• The afternoon is a time for the integration of typical peers. Typically developing peers are invited to participate in preschool programming for 10 hours a week.

ABA Preschool Program:  30 Hours a Week

• Intensive, needs-based programming.
• 6 hours a day, Monday through Friday
• Applied Behavioral Analysis teaching method used to provide direct instruction to students.
• Frequent consultation from Board Certified Behavior Analyst
• The afternoon is a time for the integration of typical peers. Typically developing peers are invited to participate n preschool programming for 10 hours a week.

FAQ's About Preschool 

Q: My child is receiving Early Supports and Services and is turning three soon.  What is my next step?

A:  Talk with your service provider.  You should be developing a transition plan if you haven't done so already.  A school district representative is usually available to attend a transition conference at your home if you'd like.

Q: I think that my child may have a delay in some area of his/her development.  What do I do?

A:  Child Find screenings are held once a month during the school year at NWES.  During these screenings, concept, language, and motor skills are briefly assessed. Social and self-help skills are rated on a parent survey.  Please call the Preschool Coordinator to arrange a screening appointment.   If you would like to learn more about development, select from the following:

 Speech and language

Gross Motor Skills

Fine Motor Skills

Q: I am not concerned about my child's speech, motor skills, or concept knowledge but his/her behavior can be challenging at times.  Are there any resources available to help me better support my child's behavior?

A:  Absolutely!  Child and Family Services offer a variety of programs (some at no cost) that provide support to families.  Programs include in-home support to help manage family life, as well as parent support groups.  Click here for more information:  Child and Family Services 

Q: My child is not receiving Early Supports and Services and I don't suspect any delays.  How do I enroll my child in preschool?

A: If you are a resident of Hudson and your child is three, you are welcome to apply for a spot in one of our programs. Applications are available at NWES and are also can be downloaded by clicking here:  Preschool Application.  You may also call the Preschool Coordinator and an application will be mailed to you.  Depending on the time of year, there may be a waiting list.  There is no registration fee.

Q:  How much does preschool cost?

A:  If your child is identified as having an educational disability, there is no cost.  If your child is participating as a typically developing peer model, the current cost is $160 per month for four days per week, and $80 for two days.

Q:  Who do I call if I have further questions?

A: Please call the Preschool Coordinator at 595-1570 x 1468.