Sprout Vision

Our vision is to expand the SPROUT program so that we can welcome all children regardless of their specific learning and developmental needs.

• SUPPORT for your child - By providing extra funding and resources we are able to provide Support for children, parents and staff

• PARENT partnership - We work in Partnership with parents to ensure that children’s needs are being met

• RECOGNIZE Child’s needs - We Recognize the need to be child centered and strive to adapt our program and practice as necessary to meet the needs of all children.

• OUTSIDE resources as needed - We welcome the inclusion of Outside agencies, both public and private in our school. We work collaboratively with Gwinnett county and private therapeutic services. We have visiting therapists and teachers who work with our staff in the classroom. In addition, dedicated rooms where they can work on specific skills with individuals and small groups as necessary.

• UNDERSTAND your child's development - Staff training focuses on Understanding child development. Our teachers are prepared to adapt and change in order to meet the needs of the children.

• TEAM effort - None of this can be successfully achieved without a Team effort. Communication and collaboration between parents, teachers, and all those involved in working with a child, are essential to achieve the best possible outcome

SPROUT benefits everyone not just those with special needs

From birth to age 5, a child’s brain develops more than at any other time. Early brain development has a lasting impact on a child’s ability to learn and succeed in school and in life.

Milestones and norms can be very daunting; especially for first time parents worried that their child is on task and keeping up.

Preschoolers develop and progress at very different levels and it is up to us to meet the child where they are and not just where they are expected to be. Most children struggle with something for all kinds of reasons, be it speech, motor skills, or grasping new concepts for the first time. Whatever the issue, the sooner we recognize it and step in, the more likely children are to be successful later on.

At our inclusive preschool we are constantly working together as a staff to improve the educational and social experience for all of our children.

Everyone benefits from inclusion

How does SPROUT work?

• If a class teacher has concerns about a child, they will consult with the education Director Ann Perras.

• Observations will subsequently be carried out in a variety of situations by Ann and or the assistant Director Mary Beth Patterson.

• The first step will be to suggest strategies and resources that may help the child overcome any issues with minimal support. For example, simple room or group management change, creative use of language and materials, or short-term extra staff support to guide a child through something they find challenging. Staff will work together to develop interventions to support the child.

• If there are still concerns, we will ask for a meeting with parents to learn more about the child.

• Through conversation, and by sharing our knowledge and experiences, we work on a plan together to help the child adjust.

• This may require us to have a member of the SPROUT team join the class for a specified period of time. Progress will be monitored and reviewed regularly.

• Sometimes children will require specialized support beyond the scope and resources of the Preschool. In this instance we will call for a meeting with parents to discuss the variety of options available, including service providers who are prepared to work with your child in class or in pullout sessions as needed.

  Useful Information

• Always consult your pediatrician if you have any questions or concerns regarding your child's development,

• Babies Can’t Wait (BCW) is a free early intervention program in Georgia that offers a variety of coordinated services for infants and toddlers with special needs and their families from birth until their 3rd birthday. https://dph.georgia.gov/babies-cant-wait

  • If your child receives services from Babies Can't Wait, they will automatically be transferred to Gwinnett County Public Schools at age 3 if necessary.

• Gwinnett County Public Schools Special Education Early Childhood Program For 3, 4, 5 year olds. Parent referral line: (678) 301-7211 https://schools.gcpsk12.org/earlychildhood-specialeducation

• There are a number of private therapy services available in the community who are generally happy to work with your medical insurance.

  • Our preschool has an ongoing relationship with Brook Todd of Children’s Therapy Group Inc. Her company provides speech and occupational therapy services both here at McKendree or at her clinic. https://www.ctgteletherapy.com/

Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or concerns. We will do our best to ensure the success of your child in school to the extent that our resources will allow, and to connect you with the appropriate agencies and help guide you through the process when extra support is required.