New Blended ECE/PreK Program at West
October 15, 2007
West is proud to
be piloting a new early childhood program in Olympia. The new
blended ECE/PreK program is a half-day program offered to students
qualifying for either ECE services or PreK services. Through the
blended program students qualifying for either the ECE or the PreK
program are instructed together. The students are provided all the
opportunities for learning offered through one of the traditional
programs (i.e., a strictly PreK program or a strictly ECE program).
As part of the blended program, students receive
individualized instruction as well as small group and whole group
instruction. Areas of emphasis include colors, shapes, numbers,
letters, communication and social skills. The students are exposed
to the curriculum through a variety of units ranging from apples to
transportation. The formal curriculum is also supported through
structured play. Part of structured play includes centers such as:
sand table, building blocks, art, play dough, books, and
housekeeping.
This year’s program is instructed by Jessica
Ballard. Mrs. Ballard is currently in her fourth year with Olympia,
having previously taught both ECE and PreK. Mrs. Ballard is
assisted this year by Mary Alhers. Mrs Alhers has worked for
Olympia for several years and served as the ECE aide at West last
school year.
