Q. What is SCIP?
SCIP is the acronym for the Stark County Integrated Preschool, and is a joint venture between the Stark County Educational Service Center and the Lake Local School District. Preschool special education classes enroll children on an Individual Education Plan (IEP).  The classroom teacher is a dual-certified teacher in special education and early childhood education. Related Service Therapists, a social worker, and psychologist are available to provide services in these classrooms. 

 

This four-day half day per week preschool program is offered to children 3-5 years of age who have been identified as developmentally delayed in one or more of the following areas:  communication, vision, hearing, motor skills, social emotional/behavioral functioning, self-help skills, and/or cognitive skills, as well as typically developing peer role models.

The activities presented in the SCIP Program are age-appropriate learning experiences intended to facilitate the goals and objectives of each child's Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Children participate in numerous learning opportunities through structured and free play, and learning centers.  Daily curriculum experiences help to develop communication skills (oral, written, listening, and reading). Necessary support services are received from trained personnel who have the knowledge and understanding of early childhood development. The entire family has opportunities for involvement in their children's education which begins the journey for home-school partnership.

Q.  Who can attend the SCIP program?
The SCIP program is designed for 3 - 5 year old children who reside in Lake Local District. Half of the students in the SCIP program have documented disabilities and half of the students are peer role models.

Q. What is the program philosophy of SCIP?
Our program believes children learn best when given opportunities to explore and manipulate age-appropriate materials in a safe, nurturing, and carefully planned environment.  Each activity chosen is based on the developmental skills of children.  This Developmentally Appropriate Practice (DAP) promotes gains in all areas of development, while making learning fun.

Our teachers develop and extend children's interests through a literacy-language rich curriculum.  Ongoing developmental progress is assessed regularly, strengthening teacher instruction and children's learning.  This process builds a strong foundation for future learning success and a positive transition to kindergarten.

Q. What does a SCIP classroom look like?
There are three classrooms, each with an AM and PM session. Lake SCIP classrooms currently have eight children with disabilities and eight children without disabilities as role models (A total of 16 students per class). All of the SCIP classrooms have a teacher assistant. 

Q.  What is an integrated classroom?
An integrated classroom is one that includes children with a wide range of developmental levels. A limited number of children ages 3-5 and who are functioning at age-expected levels may attend as role models.  Tuition for role models is based on a sliding scale. Contact the preschool teachers for further information (listed below).

Q.  Will SCIP prepare my child for kindergarten?
Yes, the SCIP program is based upon best teaching practices for young children. Children are involved in active learning experiences that are designed to enhance independence, self-esteem, curiosity, and problem solving. We follow the Ohio Early Learning and Development standards.

Q.  Is transportation provided for my child to attend SCIP?
The Lake Local School District will provide transportation for preschoolers who have been identified as having a disability which requires specialized instruction.

Q.  What special services are offered for children through the SCIP program?
Special services are offered to those children with identified needs. Services may include:

• speech-language therapy

• occupational therapy

• physical therapy

• audiological services

• adapted physical education

• special transportation

Services are provided to children based on their individual needs.
 

Q. When are preschool classes?

Students attend four-day half days per week. The AM session is held from 8:00 am - 10:45 am, and the PM session is held from 12:45 pm - 3:30 pm. 

Q.  Who do I contact about determining if my preschooler has a disability?
You can contact Lisa Shannon, Director of Special Services for Lake Local Schools, at 330-877-9383. Information will be obtained from you regarding your concerns. A screening may be indicated based on the information provided.

Q.  How can I contact the SCIP program directly?
Mrs. Maureen Crabtree, Ms. Sarah Bledsoe, and Mrs. Rachel Skifstad are the SCIP classroom teachers.  Reach them directly by calling 330-877-7510.