Community Preschool Options
Early Childhood Support Programs
Community Preschool Options
The new preschool rules state that "In ensuring that a continuum of alternative placements is available to meet the needs of children with disabilities for special education and related services, a school district shall annually prepare, post publicly, and make available to parents during the evaluation process; a list of the available preschool education service options in the community. This list shall not be limited to service providers within the geographic boundaries of the district but shall include providers outside the limits of the school district boundaries that may be more easily accessible to children with disabilities living within the boundaries of the school district. This list shall inform the discussions and decision on the appropriate placement of each child with a disability." Therefore, the Sycamore Community School District is meeting a mandate in the Ohio Preschool Rules by identifying community preschools, within and outside of the district boundaries which are easily accessible to district families. This posting is not an endorsement of any particular community preschool nor does it constitute a placement decision if a parent elects to send their child to a school included on this list. To conduct your own web search you can utilize this link: 4C For Children
Head Start
The Hamilton County Educational Service Center operates a Head Start Preschool at Symmes Elementary for children ages 3 – 5 years old. The half-day sessions are taught by qualified early childhood teachers and are intended to help children enter kindergarten ready to learn. Nutritious meals and snacks are provided as a component of this comprehensive program. The program is at no cost to families who qualify by one of the following ways: meeting certain income requirements, receiving TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), receiving Social Security Income, or providing foster or kinship care. For more information and to enroll, call HCESC at 513-674- 4329 or visit http://hcescheadstart.
Help Me Grow
Early Intervention (EI) through Help Me Grow provides early intervention services to parents of eligible children under the age of three with developmental delays or disabilities. Prior to the child's third birthday the Early Intervention team will hold a transition meeting where a representative from Sycamore Schools can be invited to join if the family and team continue to have concerns. The District will determine if a disability is suspected through parent input, previous information from Help Me Grow, and observations. If there is a disability suspected, an Evaluation Team Report will be completed by the school team. If the child is eligible for Special Education services as a preschool child, the IEP team will work with the family to complete and implement an IEP by the child's third birthday. To find out more about the support offered from Help Me Grow or to complete a referral for your child please visit their website.