Step Ahead Early Childhood Program
Hi! Thanks for checking in on the Step Ahead Early Childhood program. Read on to find out more about us.
Who are we?
The Step Ahead Early Childhood program is a partnership combining the resources of Blue Valley Community Action/ Head Start and Fairbury Public Schools into one high-quality program of early childhood services. We are recipients of a Nebraska Early Childhood Program Grant, and we offer developmentally-appropriate learning and play opportunities for all preschool children regardless of ability or income.
Where can we find you?
Step Ahead classrooms are located in Fairbury, NE, at Central Elementary School, 808 F Street, and at 1303 B Street. The Central School location houses two classrooms with 2 morning and 2 afternoon preschool sessions, and the B street site houses one classroom with a morning and afternoon session. The children are divided into classrooms by age, with 3 year-olds currently attending morning and afternoon sessions at the B street site and 4 year-olds attending morning and afternoon sessions at Central School.
What is your daily schedule?
Our Step Ahead program is in session Monday-Thursday, and follows the school year calendar for Fairbury elementary schools. At Central the morning sessions are held from 8:15-11:45 a.m. and the afternoon sessions from 11:45 a.m.-3:15 p.m. At B street the morning session runs from 8:00-11:30 a.m. and the afternoon session from 11:30 a.m.-3:00 p.m. Morning sessions begin with a full, family-style breakfast and end with a snack. Afternoon sessions begin with lunch and include an afternoon snack. All meals and snacks are complimentary for participating early childhood students.
What about your curriculum?
The Step Ahead Early Childhood program designs its curriculum around the Creative Curriculum model, emphasizing each of four developmental domains (Social/Emotional, Physical, Cognitive, Language) within classroom thematic activities. Curriculum objectives are facilitated in both the naturalistic environment of play and in activities that are teacher-directed,and each child’s progress is measured and recorded three times per year using the online Creative Curriculum Developmental Continuum. All three classroom teachers meet together on a regular basis to share ideas and materials for classroom activities. This collaborative time also allows opportunities to discuss Individual Education Plan objectives for special education students and to address any concerns or questions that might arise.
I have some concerns about my child’s development. Where can I go with questions about that?
Parents/guardians, preschool teachers, physicians, or daycare providers frequently voice questions or concerns about children that struggle to reach expected developmental milestones. The Step Ahead program offers comprehensive educational evaluations (as required by state and federal laws) which assess children’s performance in developmental areas, such as speech-language, social behavior, motor skills, and cognitive skills. Assessments are conducted by appropriately certified and/or licensed professionals with the written permission of parents or legal guardians. Children that meet specific state criteria can be enrolled in the Step Ahead program to address particular developmental needs, at no cost to their families. We also are a part of the Early Development Network, a statewide program that offers early intervention services to children birth through age 2 and their families. (see link for further information)
How is your program staffed?
Our Step Ahead Early Childhood program has the following staff assigned for the 2008-09 school year:
| Cari Schroeder | Speech-Language Pathologist/Early Childhood Educator at Central |
| Joyce Kujath | Paraeducator at Central |
| Brandee Goosman | Early Childhood Special Educator at B Street site |
| Chrystal Nichelson | Paraeducator at B Street site |
| Cook at B Street site | |
| Laura Koenig | Early Childhood Special Educator at Central site |
| Nanci Mincks | Paraeducator at Central |
| Chris Criner | Paraeducator at Central |
| Sarah Lutze | Family/Community Partner/Paraeducator at B Street site |
| Ramona Bessler | Speech/Language Pathologist |
| Susan Dishmann | Family/Community Partner, Jefferson County Head Start |
| Jeremy Christiansen | Administrator, Fairbury Public Schools |
| Shari Miller | Director, Blue Valley Community Action/Head Start |
| Cheryl Severance | Education Officer, Blue Valley community Action/Head Start |
How much does the Step Ahead program cost?
The issue of program cost for our diverse population of early childhood students has been addressed as follows:
• Sliding Fee Scale
o Special Education No Cost
o Head Start Enrollment No Cost
o Free Program Eligibility No Cost
o Reduced Program Eligibility $20.00/per month
o Full Pay Program Eligibility $40.00/per month
I’m wondering about transportation arrangements for my child. Can you help?
School bus transportation is contracted through First Student, Inc. Guidelines have been developed as follows:
Ø All students with verified special education needs and enrolled in an early childhood program are eligible for transportation at no cost. (Siblings of a verified student at the same address may also be eligible for transportation only when the verified student is transported.)
Ø All students who live outside of the city limits, yet within school district boundaries, are eligible for transportation to and from their residence at no cost.
Ø Early childhood students under age 4 or under 40 lbs. will be provided with a car seat on the bus.
Ø Parents or designated guardians are expected to be present when their child loads or unloads from the bus.
How do I enroll my child?
Contact Jeremy Christiansen at Central Elementary School (402-729-2418) (jerchris@fairburyjeffs.org) or Susan Dishmann at Jefferson County Head Start (402-729-2161) (jeffersonhs@bvca.net). It is a good idea to call 6 months to 1 (one) year before you would like your child to begin the Step Ahead program, since we currently have a waiting list of students for our program. Newly-enrolling children are expected to provide an updated immunization record, medical, dental, and vision examination results, and a copy of their birth certificate upon enrollment.
We’re excited to let you know about this great opportunity for educating our youngest children! Thanks for stopping in to see us!
