PURPOSE: Family Life Center’s Therapeutic Preschool is a collaborative effort between Family Life Center and SEK Interlocal #637 to benefit serious emotionally disturbed and developmentally delayed preschoolers. The collaboration effort is designed to meet the behavioral, emotional, and pre-academic needs of three, four, and five year old children in the area. The program will work towards individual goals, as well as prepare the children for the transition into the public school system.

PROCEDURE: The morning therapeutic preschool program will work intensively on behaviors, attitudes, and academics; as well as self-help and social skills. These skills have been identified by teachers, specialists, and parents as necessary for a successful school career. These skills transfer to the child’s family and peer groups also. Individualized education plans, behavior plans, target goals, and kindergarten readiness are skills incorporated into the preschool curriculum. Developing a positive self image and using positive reinforcement are critical in teaching lifelong behaviors to help ensure success in school and life.

ACCESS/REFERRAL: Family Life Center’s Therapeutic Preschool is part of a comprehensive treatment program for children with serious emotional disorders that have the cognitive ability to learn and benefit from a behavior and academic intensive learning program. The children will work closely with a teacher, a therapist, and a case manager both in the school setting and in the child’s home as needed. Referrals may be made by a therapist, teacher, family member, or other child based service provider. An initial assessment and diagnostic work up will determine eligibility for the program. Admission into the program will be contingent upon the screening results and availability. Once enrolled, the child will attend the therapeutic preschool during the school year from 8 a.m.-11 a.m., Monday-Thursday. Transportation to and from the therapeutic preschool will be provided by the school districts if needed.

FEES: Fees are reimbursed by Medicaid. Otherwise, fees are adjustable based on a sliding fee scale according to income and number of dependents living in the home.

CONTACT PERSON: Coordinator of Community Based Services, Therapeutic Preschool Teacher

CONTACT NUMBER: Riverton (620) 848-2300