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"Due to growth, this supplies much needed additional space," Meyer said. "The children have lots of room to move and do activities, and there is a playground just for them.
"We moved from a building of 700 something (Central) to a nice quiet area where they are able to focus," she added. "That is not why we moved, but it is a plus."
There are about 35 students who are enrolled in the program and the new space allows for students to have a larger space in the classroom. There are about 12 students in each class with one teacher and an aide. There are both morning and afternoon classes. The students are generally between the ages of 3 to 5 years old.
"One misconception is this is a tuition-based preschool," Meyer noted. "This is for children with special needs in the school district."
Meyer said that children are identified as having special needs through districtwide programs, primarily Parents as Teachers.
"The children here have special needs, as well as those who are at risk," she explained. "We are trying to be preventative and proactive."
Meyer said the district is not in competition with tuition-based preschools, but tries to work with those facilities.
"Not only do we do services here, but we also go to daycares in the community to provide services," she said. "When we can, we visit kids in the least restrictive environment - we love collaborating with the community and working with everyone."
The $450,000 early childhood special education center was mostly funded through a $398,664 grant through the Missouri Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE), that will pay over a period of eight years.
The remaining cost of the building will be offset by funds from the Jefferson-Franklin Community Action Corporation Head Start. The program will pay the district $350 per child per month, up to five children, to be taught at the center. That agreement will net the district as much as $12,000 annually.
Early childhood special education is a mandated program that is fully funded through the state and federal government.
Meyer said that PAT programs are held at the center and are open to anyone within the district. For more information people may call the center at 636-584-0157.
Following are upcoming activities and workshops at the center:
Nov. 12 - Parenting With Love and Logic workshop for parents from 6:30-7:30 p.m.;
Dec. 3 - Reading night with Kiwanis from 6:30-7:30 p.m.;
Jan. 21 - Parenting With Love and Logic workshop for parents from 6:30-7:30 p.m.;
Jan. 29 - Parenting With Love and Logic workshop for parents from 9:30-10:30 a.m.;
March 4 - Reading night with Kiwanis from 6:30-7:30 p.m.; and
May 6 - Reading night with Kiwanis from 6:30-7:30 p.m.
