Our preschool and pre-kindergarten classes are instructed in American Sign Language (ASL) with support as needed. Students are immersed in a language rich environment through the use of ASL and written English. Lessons are thematic in nature and follow the Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards in the areas of: health and physical development, social and emotional development, language development and communication, approaches to learning, and cognition and general knowledge.
The preschool and pre-kindergarten classes are combined in the morning, providing language models and role models for all students. Students also join the older elementary students for special events such as 100 Days of School, Deaf Awareness Week, Spirit Week, and Children’s Book Week as appropriate.
Supports such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech and language, and audiology, as required on the individual student’s IEP, may be provided as pull out services or in the classroom as needed. ASL specialists and English Language specialists also visit the classroom weekly. Art activities and recess are scheduled daily.
Preschool
Students ages 3-4 attend WSD in the morning four days a week. Key concepts in preschool are: social skills, vocabulary development, an appreciation for learning, creativity, independence, and having fun!
Pre-Kindergarten
Students ages 4-5 attend WSD for the full school day four days a week. Key concepts in pre-kindergarten are: language development, mathematics (counting, number recognition, patterning, etc), early literacy (letter recognition, sequencing, sight words, writing), independence, creativity, self concept, and having fun. Students participate in a physical education class before lunch (lunch provided by WSD) and have rest time after lunch. Center activities reinforce the lessons and themes of the day.