Priority Preschool
What is Priority Preschool?
Priority Preschool (PPS) is designed for children 3 to 5 years old (5 after September 1 st)
who have special education needs.
What are Special Education Needs?
Children with special education needs may be challenged in one or more ways: delays in cognitive, physical,
communication, social/emotional or adaptive development; language, vision or hearing impairments.
How are Special Needs Determined?
To be eligible as a preschool special education student, the child must have a comprehensive evaluation and meet
eligibility guidelines as a child with a disability. Typically, the child is referred to our school district by an outside
agency, medical provider or the parent. The child is screened at Knox Elementary School (contact Terry Alcala at
Knox, 480-812-6112 for more information and to set up a screening appointment). The screening determines if a
child has a potential disability (meeting state and federal criteria for special education) that requires further
evaluation. If so, a full evaluation will be done to determine whether the child is eligible for placement in one of
several programs including Priority Preschool. An Individualized Education Program (IEP) will be developed by the
school district team and parents to meet the child’s needs. There is no charge for the PPS program for eligible
children.
Priority Preschool Classes
PPS classes follow the Chandler Unified School District calendar (with some exceptions for early dismissal days for
parent/teacher conferences). Classes are taught by Early Childhood Special Education teachers. Trained Paraprofessionals assist the students. Occupational, Physical and Speech Therapies are provided within the class.
Class ratios of adults to children are kept low.
The PPS program is 7 ½ hours per week in 3-day sessions. We offer a morning class that meets Monday,
Wednesday and Friday; an afternoon class that meets Monday, Tuesday and Thursday; and a “triangle” class that
meets Tuesday and Thursday mornings plus Wednesday afternoon. A typical day would include circle time, free
choice time, small group time, outside time and snack time.
PPS has a developmental curriculum with an emphasis on language development and acquisition, and behavior,
cognition and physical skills. Communication skills are emphasized so that all of our children learn to interact with
others in appropriate ways. Creativity and a love of learning are encouraged. Our staff helps children improve their
motor and self-help skills and encourages children as they learn to make choices. The DLM Early Childhood Express
Curriculum, Alpha Friends, Talkies and other resources help our staff provide a rich preschool experience designed
to prepare children for lifelong learning. Opportunities for inclusion of PPS students with children in CUSD
Community Education preschools are maximized.
PPS classes are located in several of our CUSD elementary schools. Locations vary from year to year. Assignment
to PPS locations is determined by the school district based on factors such as proximity to child’s home and
classroom enrollment.
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Priority Preschool Locations
2014-15
Location
Telephone #
A.M. Class Schedule
Mon-Wed-Fri
P.M. Class Schedule
Mon-Tues-Thurs
TRI-Classes
Tues-Thurs am
Wed pm
Knox Elementary
480-812-6100
8:00am – 10:30 am
12:00pm-2:30 pm
Hancock Elementary
480-883-5900
8:15am-10:45 am
12:15pm- 2:45 pm
Hull Elementary
480-883-4500
8:00am– 10:30 am
12:15pm – 2:45pm
Humphrey Elementary
480-812-6800
8:00am – 10:30am
12:00pm -2:30pm
Riggs Elementary
480-224-3400
8:00am – 10:30am
12:00pm – 2:30pm
San Marcos Elementary
480-883-4200
8:00am – 10:30 am
12:00pm – 2:30pm
Santan Elementary
480-883-4700
8:00am – 10:30 am
12:00-pm-2:30 pm
T-Th 8:00-10:30 am
W 12:00-2:30 pm
T-Th 8:15-10:45am
W 12:15-2:45pm
T-Th 8:00-10:30 am
W 12:00-2:30 pm
T-Th 8:00-10:30zm
W 12:00pm-2:30pm
T-Th 8:00-10:30am
W 12:00pm-2:30pm
T-Th 8:00-10:30 am
W 12:00pm-2:30pm
T-Th 8:00-10:30 am
W12:00pm-2:30 pm
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