Winchester unveils in-house early childhood special education program at John Kerr Elementary

WINCHESTER, Va. — Winchester Public Schools presented the district’s new early childhood special education (ECSE) program to the school board on Tuesday, detailing classroom configurations, enrollment and supports and describing the program as an inclusive, in-district alternative to previously contracted services.

Dr. Mullins, who led the presentation, said the board approved planning for the ECSE program the prior December and staff moved rapidly: leadership and program development happened over months, with summer professional development and a first-day-of-school implementation in August. The district added two morning partial-day classes, one afternoon class and itinerant services for students who remain in community childcare and receive push-in services from district staff.

Current enrollment and resources: Dr. Mullins said the program serves approximately 39 families in its first months. Enrollment figures presented included 15 full-day students, 15 partial-day students (two morning classes and one afternoon class), three students receiving in-class itinerant services through the Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI), and eight students currently under evaluation. District purchases to support the program included 15 car seats, adaptive playground equipment and about 288 books for early-literacy instruction.

The program is intentionally inclusive: staff pushed into VPI classrooms and John Kerr Elementary faculty adapted instruction and routines to integrate ECSE learners. Occupational therapists, physical therapists and speech-language pathologists provide multidisciplinary push-in services and consultative support inside classrooms.

Why it matters: Bringing ECSE services in-house increases opportunities for children with special needs to learn alongside typically developing peers and expands local capacity for early intervention. Presenters said inclusive practice benefits social-emotional development and literacy outcomes for all students.

What the board heard: Board members praised staff and John Kerr Elementary teachers for welcoming the new classrooms and noted early reports of students accessing the school library and the larger playground with peers. Staff said they will continue professional learning and family engagement as the program grows.

Sources: Presentation to the Winchester Public Schools Board of Education, program-enrollment figures supplied at the meeting.