Preschool programs provide unique learning environment

The Mountain Brook Special Opportunities Preschool Program is designed for children 3 to 5 years old with special needs. There are two classrooms housed at Mountain Brook Elementary led by teachers Carol Lott and Mary Margaret Moore and one classroom at Brookwood Forest Elementary led by teacher Donna Cornelius.

In order to be eligible for the program, children must demonstrate significant difficulties that would adversely impact their participation in their natural environment, which could be a home or a typical preschool program. The children receive special instruction that might include speech-language therapy, occupational therapy and physical therapy. 

There are also opportunities for typically developing children to serve as models in the preschool class instruction. These children are chosen to serve and match the needs of their peers. The concept underlying this approach is that the students with special needs benefit from daily exposure and interaction with students who are developing in a more typical fashion.

Educational support staff assist each teacher in the class, which creates a low student-staff ratio. In addition to engaging preschool activities and reading readiness, emphasis is placed on taking care of each other and embracing individual abilities.

“All three of our boys have attended the Mountain Brook Schools Preschool Program, and it’s been amazing to see first hand the power of excellent preschool education coupled with a unique emphasis on developing an increased compassion and respect for others,” said MBE mother of three Bragan Petrey.

-Submitted by Carol L. Lott, Ed.S., CCC/SLP