2023-2024 Peer Model Applications

Beginning November 29, 2022 Avon Lake CSD will begin accepting Preschool Peer Model Applications for the 2023-2024 academic year. Please make sure to fill out both sides of the application and return them, either in person or via the mail, to Maria Szarek whose contact information can be found on the front of the application. Please remember that we have a finite number of spots with students currently in the program and their siblings having priority over new applicants. All applications are date and time stamped upon the District Office receiving them. No preference for morning or afternoon sessions are being taken as Peer Models will be assigned to classrooms based on need and availability. Please contact the Preschool Director with any questions.

From the Principal

Welcome to the 2022-2023 school year! We are SO excited for another year full of learning, exploring, playing, and growing!

LEAPS is housed inside of Redwood Elementary School and is an Integrated Preschool meaning we serve both students with disabilities (SWDs) and without disabilities (Peer Models) within our classrooms. We serve approximately 140 students ages three to five. All of our teachers hold at least a Bachelor Degree and several have Master's Degrees as well. All of our teachers are Licensed Early Childhood Intervention Specialist with the Ohio Department of Education (ODE). LEAPS also falls under the ODE guidelines for Preschools and we are 5 Star rated through Step Up to Quality. Each of our classrooms also has two paraprofessionals which allows us to keep small student to staff ratios. Our related service providers (physical therapist, occupational therapist, occupational therapist assistant, and speech therapists) also are in and out of classrooms quite often.

The LEAPS Preschool exists to serve students with and without identified disabilities. If you suspect your child is not meeting development milestones related to cognitive functioning, behavioral functioning, social emotional functioning, sensory/motor functioning (including fine and gross motor skills), adaptive/daily living skills, and/or hearing or vision, or if you have concerns that your child may have a disability, please contact the Preschool Director for additional information. Please be aware the process for determining if your child may have a disability in the school environment is guided by the Ohio Department of Education and can take up to four months to complete in order to make certain all the steps outlined by the ODE are followed. This ensures student needs are identified and addressed in a formal plan, referred to as an Individualized Education Program (IEP).

Our program runs Tuesday through Friday and, since we are part of Avon Lake City School District, we follow the District calendar. Students are either enrolled in the morning session (9:00-11:30 a.m.) or the afternoon session (12:30-3:00 p.m.). The tuition for the program is $1250 for the entire year plus there is a yearly $60 fee for LEAPS. There is a 10% discount on the tuition if it’s paid in full prior to the start of the school year. There is also a payment plan that can be set up if that is more feasible. Peer Models must be fully toilet trained and need transportation to and from LEAPS.

Our small class sizes and variety of instructional strategies enable our students to realize their unique potentials while exploring their environment and developing in many areas as they prepare for kindergarten.

Please don't hesitate to contact LEAPS if you have any questions or concerns. We are excited to meet all of our new families.

2022-2023 Important Dates can be found here.

Forms

Family Resource Links

Ohio Guidestone is a community solutions organization. We offer a unique blend of behavioral health treatment services, skill building programs and prevention opportunities for children and families.

Connecting for Kids is a nonprofit with a mission of providing education and support for families with concerns about their child. We serve families in Cuyahoga and Lorain counties with children under the age of 13 by providing programs and support for families as well as through educational campaigns.

LEAPS 2023-24 Peer Model Contract

LEAPS 2022-2023 Handbook

LEAPS Supply List 2022-2023

Ohio’s Early Learning Content Standards

Developmental Milestones

Health Screenings for Children/ The Facts on Childhood Illnesses

Children's Oral Health

Essentials for Parenting Toddlers and Preschoolers

2018 Recommended Immunizations for Children from Birth Through 6 Years Old

Lorain County Public Health

Community Resource Directory

Getting Ready for Kindergarten

Websites for Early Learning