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Madison Metropolitan School District

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Early Learning Session Peer Program

The Madison Schools is committed to providing an array of placement options for 3 year olds that have been identified with a disability. One of those options is the Early Learning Session classroom, which is designed to provide an IEP service model for children who would otherwise not have access to same-aged, neuro-typical peers for learning opportunities. These classrooms are located at Anana, Lapham and Muir Elementary.

The Early Learning Session classrooms are designed for 3 year olds with disabilities and their peers. The classroom is run at a preschool program that is led by a Special Education Teacher and supported by a Special Education Assistant and other support staff.

Early Learning peers must be 3 years of age on or before September 1st of the school year to participate. Peers may only participate in the program for one school year. They should mostly be independent in their daily living, dressing, feeding and bathrooming skills. The program is taught in English, so children are expected to use their verbal communication skills to effectively communicate their wants and needs. All parents must complete an application, screeners (ASQ and speech sound profile), sign a peer agreement and participate in a meet-and-greet with the classroom teacher prior to acceptance.

It is anticipated that early learning peers will naturally provide appropriate responses to different learning situations. These responses serve as wonderful learning experiences for our early learning participants experiencing delays in their development. In turn, early learning peers have the opportunity to participate in many fun learning activities provided by our experienced staff. Early learning peers gain empathy, leadership and
school readiness skills.

The Early Learning Session is a free program. Parents are required to provide transportation to/from the program. Questions or concerns can be discussed with the Teacher or Program Support Teacher.

What are the expectations of Early Learning Peers?

  • Be at least three years old on or before September 1st and not have turned four years old prior to September 1st of the current school year
  • Live within the Madison Metropolitan School District boundaries
  • Be mostly independent with bathrooming needs (3 year olds are often just mastering this routine so some support is understandable!)
  • Demonstrate typical self-help and social skills ( e.g. drinks from an open cup, willing to initiate play with other children, able to follow directions with minimal prompting)
  • Speak in sentences and understand appropriate to the child’s age-level in English.

When and where are Early Learning Peer programs?

  • Anana, Muir, and Lapham Elementary schools will have Early Learning Sessions for the 2023-2024 school year
  • Classes run 4 half-days/week, Tuesday through Friday. Peer Models are expected to attend 4 half-days/week (AM or PM session) and demonstrate good attendance. Children with disabilities may attend 2-4 half-days/week.
  • Below are the anticipated sessions for the 2023-2024 school year:
    • Anana: Morning and Afternoon
    • Muir: Morning and Afternoon
    • Lapham: Morning and Afternoon

Applications are still currently being accepted for the Muir Early Learning Program. All
other programs are full for the 23-24 school year.

Applications for the 24-25 school year will be accepted beginning March 1, 2024
 

Think you know someone who might make a good Early Learning Peer?

Complete the online application form below for the 23-24 School Year -- Muir Elementary Program ONLY. All Sites Application for the 24-25 School Year opens March 1, 2024.

Call the Pre-K Information Line at 608-663-8471 for more information.

*NOTE: Early Learning Sessions may be discontinued during a school year due to limited number of students with Special Education Needs. MMSD is not required to offer programming for all 3 year old children. We cannot guarantee that a site will remain open throughout the school year

Early Learning Peer Program Application (Muir Elementary Program Only) - 2023-2024 School Year

Required

Child's Namerequired
First Name
Last Name
Must contain a date in M/D/YYYY format
Genderrequired
Ethnicity
Parent/Guardian Name(s)required
First Name
Last Name
Parent/Guardian Name(s)
First Name
Last Name

Being an Early Childhood Early Learning Peer provides an opportunity for typically developing children to be integrated into the MMSD Early Childhood Special Education classrooms. Early Learning Peers serve as classmates for MMSD children who require special education services for educational disabilities. Early Learning Peers engage with and model positive peer interactions. Early Learning Peers may also demonstrate age-appropriate play, early learning, behavior, communication, social skills, self-care and motor skills.

Is your child able to speak English in an age appropriate manner?required
Is your child toilet trained?required
Has your child received any type of services through MMSD or an outside agency?required
Has your child ever been identified as having a disability?required
Is your child currently enrolled in a preschool?required
Does your child have any health concerns?required

If you have questions, call the PreK Information Line at 608-663-8471.

With respect to educational programs, no person shall be denied admission to any District school, or be denied participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be discriminated against in any curricular, extracurricular, pupil services, recreational or other program or because of the person's sex, race, national origin, ancestry, religion, creed, pregnancy, marital or parental status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or disability including her or his physical, mental, emotional, or learning disability.