State Preschool

PRESCHOOL MISSION

We encourage children to develop confidence and independence while teaching behavioral expectations and fostering social-emotional growth. Our goal is to create a first school experience that nurtures curiosity, a love for learning, and a sense of discovery, while instilling the values of caring and cooperation as essential aspects of the school community.

SCHOOL PHILOSOPHY

Preschool programs are established for the provision at an early age of an enriched environment to benefit your child’s intellectual, physical, emotional, social, and cultural development.  Research shows that quality preschool programs reduce the need for remedial classes in subsequent grade levels.  During their pre-kindergarten years, children develop characteristics which affect their lifelong ability to learn.

The dual focus of California preschool programs is on children and parents.  The family has the most influence on a child’s learning and growing.  Participation of parents in classroom activities provides for observation of their child’s behavior in a formal learning setting and allows for reinforcement of teaching at home.  Parents benefit from the support of the preschool teacher and other parents as they meet for parent education sessions relating to child development.

Moorpark’s Preschool programs address a broad range of developmental elements to maximize student learning and growth within a safe and nurturing school environment.  The participating children will develop socially, emotionally, physically, and intellectually through child-centered experiences which are age appropriate and geared to individual learning needs.  Children will benefit from a home-school relation­ship that builds each family’s capacity to educate the child and connect the parents with their child’s education.  Instruction will take place in the child’s home language to maximize that connection and build on what children already know.  Because all children develop at different rates and have unique interests and abilities, the major goal will be to promote individual development and provide students with a solid base of experiential learning.  Children will learn through cooperative interac­tion with adults and other children.  The preschool will provide students with a strong sense of self-esteem, and will stimulate students’ excitement and curiosity about learning.

PROGRAM GOALS

1. To promote students’ socio-emotional, physical, cognitive, language, and creative development, as well as prepare students for success in school
2. To implement a developmentally appropriate curriculum, that promotes exploration, making choices, and meets the individual needs of each student
3. To build a strong home/school partnership and empower parents to participate in their children’s education through volunteering, advisory council meetings, parent education, etc.
4. To serve the whole child by meeting their educational, social, and emotional needs
5. To provide increased opportunities for local health screenings and immunizations and promote the development of good health with students and parents
6. To develop creativity, problem solving, and more complex thinking skills in all areas of the curriculum
7. To help children learn how to handle their own emotions and consider the feelings of others
8. To maintain the outdoor physical environment and to provide more access to a variety of equipment which reflects the ages and levels of motor development, accommodates the special needs of children, and promotes safety for all students

 

INCLUSION POLICY

Moorpark Preschools welcomes all children and is committed to providing developmentally appropriate early learning and development experiences that support every child's full access and participation. Each child is unique and works in partnership with families and other professionals involved with the child to provide the support every child needs to reach their full potential. Many children with disabilities or other special needs are supported by developmental and educational professionals such as therapists, teachers, and others. 

Moorpark Preschools works with Moorpark Unified School District’s Special Education Department to ensure the success of all students. Specialized services are provided to children in a small group setting or our early childhood education classrooms.    The child’s teacher and the service provider work collaboratively to determine the best strategies to support the child in the whole group setting. Moorpark Preschools supports the teacher’s participation in Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings.  The IEP team considers the continuum of placement options, including services provided in general education, in special education, in a combination of general and special education, and special programs, when determining Moorpark Unified School District’s offer of a free and appropriate public education within the least restrictive environment to be implemented. 

Our Early Childhood Center ensures all children feel included in our programs by bringing children with and without disabilities together.  Students are provided inclusive opportunities outdoors, indoors, or, in some cases, throughout the day. According to the California Department of Education, “High-quality inclusion in early education supports children’s development, relationships with peers, and a sense of belonging, which is true for children with and without disabilities. Not only do children with disabilities benefit from being included in early education, but children without disabilities also have positive developmental outcomes in inclusive environments.”

Early childhood educators at Moorpark Preschools use developmentally research-based practices and consider the unique needs of all children when planning. Staff will make every attempt to make any adaptations or accommodations necessary to meet the needs of the children. Schedules, routines, and activities are flexible, and early childhood educators will work with therapists, special educators, and other professionals to integrate individual accommodations and strategies into classroom routines and activities. Any adaptations will be reviewed with families and other professionals supporting the child.