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Integration is the process of grouping children with and without disabilities
together in a planned, involved, and interactive activity and setting. Public
Law 101-476, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), has stated
the importance of children with disabilities having access to their non-disabled
peers to the greatest extent possible. Expanding Horizons Preschool (EHP) is for
non-disabled children, and is housed in the same building as the Pingree Center.
The preschool was developed to provide an on site integration program to best
fit the Integration within the school district sites of the Pingree Center’s autism program is accomplished within the parameters of district policies and opportunities. During the treatment plan process, possible strategies for incorporating integration practices are discussed, developed, and agreed upon. Utilizing other classroom teachers within the school for integration is a collaborative process, and each district site has unique opportunities for facilitating integration. Integration opportunities for the elementary aged children with autism continue to evolve. We will use a combination of sites including the Pre - K and kindergarten classes of Expanding Horizons as well as local public and private elementary schools who are willing to work with our program. For more information on Expanding Horizons Child Development Center, please CLICK HERE. Michele Orphanakis, B.S., Director of Expanding Horizon Preschool |
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needs of our students. The time each child participates in integration
will depend on his/her treatment plan and his/her behaviors. Integration into EHP gives the child exposure to peers without disabilities and gives them
appropriate peer models. Additionally, time spent with their non-disabled peers
gives them the opportunity to learn age appropriate ways to interact, and
provides them with excellent models for language skills. Integration to EHP
facilitates social, cognitive, and language skills and aptitudes in your child.
Occasionally, we transport our children to integration sites outside of EHP, as
deemed needed, and conditional upon your approval.