The Step By Step Preschool Program is a collaboration between the Northwood, Nottingham and Strafford school districts. It is designed to nurture individuality, creativity, positive self-image, and respect for self and others. Parents, family members and community agencies are valued as participants in this program.
The program is designed to be developmentally appropriate for children 3 - 5 years old. It is a child-focused program where accommodations are made, and special education services are provided for children in order to meet their specific needs. Children attend 2 to 4 sessions per week, lasting 2 ½ hours each.
The program focuses on the five primary stages of child development:
- social/emotional;
- physical;
- cognitive;
- linguistic (language); and
- creative.
Children in the program learn through active exploration and interaction in an enriching environment where opportunities for socialization, dramatic play, art, language, music and movement are integrated into daily activities.
Area children are eligible to attend the Step By Step Preschool Program. Children who have special education needs, and typically developing students learn and play together. Our goal is to have an integrated program with 50% special needs students and 50% typically developing students.
Currently, the program is housed in two locations: at the Northwood Elementary School, and at the Nottingham Community Church Hall.
The Step By Step Preschool Program provides a low student-to-teacher ratio. All staff are highly qualified and meet or exceed New Hampshire's licensing requirements.
If you have concerns about your child's development, and think he/she may be a child with a disability, please call (603)942-8101 and leave a message with your name and phone number. A preschool special educator will return your call.
For more information about the Step By Step Preschool Program call 942-8101.
