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Azusa Unified outlines preschool program, early-intervention supports and sliding-scale fees
Summary
A staff member from Azusa Unified School District described the district—s early childhood offerings, emphasizing play-based learning, access to occupational and speech therapy, and sliding-scale family fees for the California State Preschool Program.
A staff member from Azusa Unified School District presented an overview of the district—s early childhood development offerings, stressing play-based learning, early-intervention access and sliding-scale fees for state preschool.
“The first 5 years, children are like sponges, and so we need to take opportunities of that period of time and expose them to as many things as possible,” the staff member said, describing the district—s approach to structured but playful learning. “Through play based learning, we have opportunities to teach critical thinking, problem solving, developing social skills by learning how to play with others, taking turns. It looks like they're just playing, but actually they're developing a cognitive skill.”
The presenter said respect and routines are part of the program—s social goals: “They learn to address adults as miss Jenny, miss Patricia, miss Patty. Carries over into when we are away from the school, they have learned a higher level of respect and that the preschool level is already instilled in them.”
The staff member described available supports for enrolled children, saying, “1 of the benefits of enrolling your child in Azusa Unified School District's early childhood development program is access to early intervention resources such as occupational therapists, speech pathologists, and school psychologists in order to ensure that your child has a strong start and a strong foundation.”
On program logistics, the presenter said Azusa Unified offers both part-day and full-day California State Preschool Program (CSPP) options across the district and that full-day placements are set based on parental need and family income. She cited a sliding-fee structure: some families pay $0 a month while others pay between $15 and $65 per month, depending on circumstances. “Give us a call and then we'll figure out what your monthly fees would be,” the staff member said.
The presentation closed with a brief note on classroom practice: “Here at AUSD, we place a high priority on teacher child interactions by incorporating research based practices that build positive relationships to support learning. Please visit our web site or give us a call for more information.”
