Most often a child's pediatrician will make a recommendation for he or she to attend The Civitan Preschool, but any concerned parent can also contact the Director and ask for an evaluation. After the initial discussion between staff, parents and a family doctor about the child's delays, an official screening is done to determine the extent of any possible delays. If the child shows delays in two areas (out of the 5 tested), then temporary placement in the program is scheduled for 30 days.
At that point, the child attends classes each day with their peers and over the course of the month comprehensive development testing is administered at The Civitan Preschool by our certified teachers and therapists. This testing will determine if the child is indeed eligible for our program on a full-time basis.
At the end of 30 days there is another meeting between staff and parents to go over the results of the tests and to discuss the most appropriate placement and services for that child. If The Civitan Preschool is the best fit, a personalized plan will be developed at this time. If the child is age 6 weeks to 3-years-old then an IFSP (Individual Family Service Plan) is developed and if the child is 3-5-years-old then an IPP (Individual Program Plan) is developed to address the child's needs.
Each plan aims to bring the child's abilities in line with those of his/her peers in the same age group. The Civitan Preschool staff also works to address behavior skills through the social skills component of the Individual Plan and the instructors are very experienced in behavior modification and positive reinforcements. Basic kindergarten-readiness skills (colors, shapes, letters, reading, writing, coloring, etc.) are also taught to each child.
Each child will have their delays screened by the certified teachers each year during an Annual Review to monitor improvements and help the instructors modify plans accordingly.
For more information about enrollment, call Julie Wheetley, Preschool Director, at 776-0691 or e-mail her at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.