Concord preschool educators describe integrated ‘play equals learn’ model and cite capacity limits

Summary

Preschool staff told the Concord School Board’s instructional committee the district runs integrated classrooms across three elementary schools, follows New Hampshire Early Learning Standards and the DRDP assessment, and is operating at or near recommended class sizes with waiting lists for tuition students.

Sarah Robinson, chairing the Concord School Board’s Instructional Committee, opened the meeting’s preschool presentation and introduced district preschool staff.

Sue Kerrigan, the district’s preschool coordinator, told the committee the program serves both tuition-paying children and children identified for special education services and that preschool classrooms are intentionally integrated. “I’m the preschool coordinator for all of the buildings,” Kerrigan said while outlining program structure and staff roles.

The presentation framed preschool instruction around play-based, developmentally appropriate practices and the district’s work to include sensory supports, AAC (augmentative and alternative communication) devices and therapy collaboration. Preschool staff said they use the New Hampshire Early Learning Standards and the state-mandated DRDP measure this year for special-education students; Concord participated in earlier DRDP pilots and is phasing in broader use. Staff described routine…

Concord preschool educators describe integrated ‘play equals learn’ model and cite capacity limits

Summary

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