May 10, 2021 -- The Cleveland Heights-University Heights Early Childhood Program is now accepting peer applications for the Integrated Preschool Program.

What is the integrated preschool program?
The Integrated Preschool Program is for children 3-5 years old who require special education programming and for typically developing peers. Typically developing peers help to ensure strong and appropriate peer modeling for children with special needs. We believe that all children benefit greatly from this philosophy. The classes provide a rich play and language-based curriculum that is developmentally appropriate for all children. The program has a strong commitment to helping all children develop social and emotional skills, strong pre-academic skills and positive peer relationships. Class sizes are limited to 12 children, and a 1:6 staff to child ratio is maintained at all times.  The program currently operates four days a week 9:00 p.m. - 11:30 p.m. (3 year olds) and 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m. (4 year olds) and follows the CH-UH School District calendar (exact days and times are currently being reviewed by the district).

What is a peer model?
These are children who are 3-5 years old and who demonstrate strengths in areas of social and emotional skills, communication and cognition. Peers must participate in a play-based screening process to become eligible as a peer model.

What are the criteria required for peer model applicants?
-Children must be 3 by September 30 to attend the A.M. session, or 4 by September 30 to attend the P.M. session.
-Children must be residents of the Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District.
-Children must be toilet-trained.
-Children must attend a play-based screener and be recommended as a peer by a district team.
-Children must be fluent English speakers.
-Families must be able to provide transportation to and from school.
-Families must agree to bring their children consistently and arrive and depart on time each day. 

What is the cost?
The cost is $106/month per child. Scholarships are available and may cover up to 100% of the tuition cost.

What do you need to do?
If you are interested in the integrated preschool program, please call the Early Childhood Office at Gearity Professional Development School 216-371-7356. A play-based-screening will be scheduled and after the screening, the preschool team will contact you to discuss your child’s screening results.