Pre-K Programs

Dual language is a more effective way of teaching students two languages based on the fundamental premise that children learn a second language the same way they learn their first language. They learn in context where they are exposed to language in its natural form and when they are socially motivated to communicate. The target language is used as the medium of instruction rather than the content of instruction. This means that students acquire content-area knowledge and language skills together.

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Eligibility

The Jefferson Parish Schools (JPS) Early Childhood Special Programs serve 3-5 year-old children who meet the eligibility requirements that are identified through an evaluation conducted or reviewed by Child Search, a JPS multi-disciplinary evaluation team. A child is eligible if his/her disability meets criteria for an exceptionality specified in the Louisiana Department of Education Pupil Appraisal Handbook. Once eligibility is determined, an Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) is developed by an IEP team that includes the parents and family. This plan outlines the types and locations of services and supports to be provided to the child.  It is the policy of JPS to meet students’ needs in their Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) as expected by best practices and mandated by federal law. Three-year-old children may be enrolled in the JPS Preschool Early Intervention Program (PEIP). Four-year-old special education students may be enrolled in the PEIP program or in Pre-K 4 general education or special education classrooms.

Even if you receive notice that your child may attend a specific school or is placed through the lottery at a specific school, placement could change based on the IEP team decision.

Preschool Early Intervention Program

The JPS Preschool Early Intervention Program (PEIP) provides special education supports and services to 3 and 4 year-old children with identified disabilities within natural settings (e.g., their home, Early Head Start/Head Start, private childcare center) and within preschool early intervention groups at selected JPS schools.

Services within natural settings are provided by a JPS early intervention teacher within the home or community based classroom setting chosen by the parent in Jefferson Parish. Students in community settings are voluntarily enrolled by their family and any expenses are the responsibility of the family. The early intervention teacher works directly with the student in their home or community setting and provides modeling and support for caregivers and teachers. Adults work together to make adaptations, design learning strategies, and modify the environment to address the student’s unique learning needs, increase student participation, and facilitate child learning and development. 

Services within the early intervention groups at selected JPS schools are provided through an integrated, multidisciplinary team approach. Students participate in half-day sessions to build social-emotional, communication, and functional skills. The multidisciplinary team supports students to participate in multisensory activities, music and movement, facilitated play, art activities, and other developmentally appropriate activities designed to increase concept development and math and literacy readiness skills.

Parents are offered opportunities for parent participation throughout the year. We encourage parents to take advantage of home/school/community connections.

Classroom Placement

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Program Highlights

• Child-centered
• Quality, developmentally appropriate curriculum
• Full-day attendance
• Low student-teacher ratios
• Supports and services for children with identified disabilities
• Transition meetings to kindergarten

Programs Defined

LA 4 Program Funding:  As Louisiana’s chief preschool program, the Cecil J. Picard LA4 Early Childhood Program provides economically disadvantaged children with early childhood education during a six-hour-a-day program and before- and after-school enrichment if funding is available. Priority is given to students from economically disadvantaged families.

 Title 1 Program Funding:  Title I is a federal grant awarded to the school district based on the number of economically disadvantaged students. JPS dedicates funding for early childhood classes to students identified as eligible because they are at risk of failing to meet the State’s academic achievement standards when they reach school age. 

Click here for more information on Pre-K 4 programs

Click here for more information on Pre-K 4 programs

The Nonpublic School Early Childhood Development Program (NSECD) provides low-income families the opportunity to send their children to state-approved private preschools and child care centers. The program provides six hours of daily instruction and up to four hours of before- and after-school care. 

To qualify, families must meet the income requirement, which is 200 percent of the federal poverty level.

For more information, go to: www.louisianabelieves.com/early-childhood/early-childhood-programs