By PAT NEWMAN

Staff Writer

A 4-year old preschool class composed of special needs students and their “typical peers” will open its doors in August at Fayetteville Elementary-Primary and Peeples Elementary School.

According to Clemene Ramsey, program coordinator for Fayette County Schools' exceptional children, the pilot class is designed as a skills building class to prepare 4-year olds for kindergarten.

The idea to combine children who need more direction with average and gifted peers is based on the way collaborative classes currently operate in the school system. Children with learning disabilities and other special needs, such as developmental delays in fine motor and gross motor skills, learn best in an integrated setting, Ramsey said. “The worst thing is for these children to be isolated,” she said.

“Most of these students are average to above average in their cognitive development,” Ramsey added. The program is locally funded by the Fayette County School System, through its special education program. A registration and activity fee is required for those participating.

There will be one class at each school, staffed by two special education teachers and two paraprofessionals or aides, and a visiting community-based teacher. There are now seven “typical peers” and four special needs students registered at the Fayetteville Elementary site. More special needs children are expected. About 15 children maximum would allow for flexible grouping, Ramsey said.

Prospective students were screened earlier this month in order to create a well-balanced class. Ramsey said parents opted for the pilot class for a number of reasons. “One mother was real excited about the class. She has a relative in the family who has a disability and she wants her child to be sensitive to people with disabilities. Another parent lost a Downs syndrome child and is sensitive to special needs children,” Ramsey said.

Classes will begin the week after the Fayette County public schools open, which this year is Aug. 16. “This gives our teachers a week to plan,” Ramsey said. The daily schedule also is flexible. Classes will be four hours a day, except Wednesdays when they will run two hours, providing built-in time for parent education and additional teacher education and in-service programs.

The curriculum will be theme-based and teachers will help children master basic skills needed for kindergarten such as sitting in circle time, taking turns and interacting with classmates.

Ramsey said she expects to accommodate all the children who are interested and qualify. If more children apply than can be accepted, a lottery will be conducted. For information, phone 770-460-3990 ext. 165.