18 | Acton-Boxborough regional school district
Carol Huebner Early Childhood Program
The Carol Huebner Early Childhood Program (CHECP) provides an integrated learning environment for preschool-aged children. Students with identified special education needs and those who are developing typically learn and play together. One hundred eleven students were enrolled in the program and 19 additional preschoolers were supported with drive-in services that included speech-language therapy, physical therapy and occupational therapy. CHECP staff work in collaboration with parents and area preschool/ daycare teachers and directors to provide evaluations, observations, screenings, consultation, visitations and support to students in the community. Some of the highlights of the year have been: • Little Free Libraries were established this year at both of the CHECP sites, with the goal of building community, sparking creativity, and inspiring the love of literacy through increased access to high-quality, developmentally-appropriate books. • CHECP continued a collaboration with Dr. Joan Kelley , Educational Researcher and Developer of the Parent Uptake Project (PUP), to support our students’ early literacy skills. We invited all families to participate in the PUP program, which provides families with age-appropriate ideas to help their child’s early literacy skills and social emotional learning skills. • CHECP celebrated its diversity by inviting parents to come into the classroom to read a story or share a hobby or family tradition. Some classes also scheduled family potlucks to build community and share a wide variety of favorite meals/foods.
The philosophy of the Carol Huebner Early Childhood Program is that • All children can be successful. • All children can learn and develop. • All children learn and develop at their own pace given their unique learning styles. • All children learn through active exploration of their environments. • All children learn through inter- action with peers and adults. • All children need a nurturing, predictable environment in which to grow and learn. • Play is the foundation of a child’s learning and development. • All children learn best in an “inclusive,” child-centered, develop- mentally appropriate environment. • The role of adults is to support and facilitate each child’s learning.
Joseph Gibowicz Coordinator, Carol Huebner Early Childhood Program
Dawn Bentley Assistant Superintendent for diversity, equity, and inclusion
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