Developmental Classrooms

Developmental classrooms are designed to support young children with disabilities through an interdisciplinary service model that supports growth across the developmental domains. The special education teacher, teaching assistant, and specialists (OT, PT, SLP, etc.) work together to help children achieve their learning goals. Family members and school staff share information routinely and collaboratively. Curriculum and instruction is differentiated to meet the individual needs of each child. Many developmental classrooms include typically developing peers, called Buddy Bears. These classrooms are located in various elementary schools across the District.

Children who are 4 years old on or before September 1st will attend school Monday from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM and  Tuesday- Friday from 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM.

Children who are 3 years old after September 1st will attend school 2.5 hours a day, Tuesday - Friday. Children attend the AM session from 8:00-10:30am or the PM session from 12:00-2:30 pm. 

Listening & Spoken Language (Oral/Auditory) 

Listening & Spoken Language classrooms support preschool and primary-aged deaf and hard of hearing students who have cochlear implants or wear hearing aids and communicate verbally. Curriculum and instruction are designed to optimize the development of audition, language, vocabulary, and literacy. These classrooms are located at Williwaw Elementary.

Children attend school from Monday 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM and Tuesday-Friday 8:00am-12:00pm. Children are eligible for ASD transportation. 

Itinerant Speech & Language Services

Preschool children with suspected delays only in the area of speech-language may be referred to their neighborhood school for assessment. Itinerant speech-language services are offered for eligible children at the neighborhood school or at a school closest to the childcare setting. The school-based speech staff provide therapy with an emphasis on remediation of developmental language and articulation delays. Parents provide transportation. 

Alaska State School for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (AKSDHH)

AKSDHH serves deaf and hard of hearing students from across Alaska, ages 3- 21, who use sign language as their primary mode of communication. The curriculum supports the development of American Sign Language and spoken and written English. The preschool classroom is located at Russian Jack. ASD transportation is provided. Contact AKSDHH at 742-4281 for more information. 

Itinerant Preschool Special Education Services

A child eligible for preschool special education services may receive itinerant support in his/her community setting, as appropriate. Preschool Itinerant services are provided at community Head Start programs, including Kids' Corps. Inc (KCI) and Cook Inlet Native Head Start (CINHS) as well as ASD general education preschool classrooms. Direct and consultative services are provided on-site by an itinerant special education teacher and/or special education paraprofessional. Itinerant team members collaborate with the general education team to meet the child’s developmental needs within the natural setting.

*To access the tabs, click on the down arrow next to Special Education Preschool Programs