Special Programs Department/Early Childhood Program

Integrated Preschool Program

The Freehold Borough School District offers a full day integrated pre-school program for classified three and four year olds and regular education four year olds who are residents of Freehold Borough. The program is designed to bring special needs and general education pre-school students together in an integrated environment. Research has shown that all students benefit from this type of program. Sessions are held five days a week at Freehold Learning Center and Acelero/Headstart. Parents are responsible for transportation of the general education preschool students. Enrollment is open to a limited number of general education preschool students.

The integrated preschool program uses the Tools of the Mind Curriculum. Tools of the Mind is a research-based early childhood program that builds strong foundations for school success in preschool and kindergarten children by promoting their intentional and self-regulated learning. In a series of rigorous experimental trials, Tools of the Mind has been shown to have a significant impact on self-regulation of preschool children.

Self-Contained Preschool Program

The Freehold Borough School District offers a Self Contained Preschool Program for three-five year old children with disabilities. Identified children will be screened by The Child Study Team for eligibility. The full day program is located at Freehold Learning Center.

The self contained preschool program uses the Assessment of Basic Language and Learning Skills-Revised. The ABLLS-R, is a device for assessing skills in children with language and learning deficits and is most commonly used in the process of the development of a behavioral program for children in the autism spectrum.  The ABLLS-R has many advantages in guiding the development of a program for a child with language deficits because it is an assessment, curriculum guide, and skills tracking system.  The ABLLS-R contains a task analysis of the many skills necessary to communicate successfully and to learn from everyday experiences.

Resource Center Program

The Resource Center Program is available for various grades at all three district schools.  Resource Center Program provides in and out of class, individual or small group instruction and specialized teaching techniques to students with disabilities by certified teachers of the handicapped or other staff as needed.

Intervention & Referral Services Committee (I&RS)

Each school in the district has an Intervention & Referral Services Committee (I&RS).  The I&RS provides referral and intervention services to general education pupils who are experiencing difficulties in their classes.  Students may receive assistance with academic, social or health problems affecting them academically, including referral to or participation in school and/or community programs.

Students can be referred to the I&RS by parents, school personnel, personal request, or by appropriate agencies.  For more information, please contact the school the student attends.

School Crisis Team

Infrequently, a student crisis requires the immediate response for specially trained school personnel.  This confidential team, comprised of the Superintendent, Principal, Special Services Director, psychologist/guidance counselor, and school nurse, together with any appropriate local resources or public agencies will intervene on behalf of a child or family in crisis.  

Resources

• Division of Developmental Disabilities
• Tools of the Mind
• ABLLS
• Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired
• Early Intervention
• Child Find