Early Childhood
The School District of Elmbrook offers pre-school screening for children ages 3-5 who are suspected of having a disability in the areas of speech/language; motor skills; social skill development and/or cognitive development. Please contact Erin King (kinger@elmbrookschools.org) for more information.
Find Information Below on How You Can Help Your Child THRIVE TO 5!
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- Raising a Reader
- The Reading League
- Developmental Monitoring
- Screenings / Evaluations
- Early Childhood Services
Raising a Reader
Research has proven that family involvement is the number one predictor of early reading success and future academic achievement. The School District of Elmbrook seeks to partner with families in our community who are interested in developing the skills and knowledge necessary to raise a young reader by offering a series of workshops taught by Elmbrook reading specialists and classroom teachers. Past workshops have covered topics of playing with letters and sounds and the power of reading aloud to children.
If you would like additional information please contact Mekenna Ellis (Early Literacy Coordinator) at ellisme@elmbrookschools.org.
Recommended for Families of Children Ages 0-6
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The Reading League
The Reading League
The Reading League presents a fun, foundational reading TV series for students PreK-3. The show instructs three important underlying components of skillful word reading: phonological awareness, letter names/sounds, and blending sounds to decode words accurately.
What do a dog, a girl, and a robot have in common? First and foremost, Dusty, Dott, and Alphabott are best friends. But they are also reading buddies! Dusty loves to talk, but learning to read is a new skill. With the help of Dott and Alphabott, he discovers that it can be so much fun! Along the way, the friends practice letters, sounds and reading words, improvise stories, get letters from their globe-trotting friend Otto, practice social skills, and so much more. We hope you’ll become a Reading Buddy!
Follow this link to access the episodes!
Developmental Monitoring
Developmental Monitoring
As you watch your child grow and thrive to age 5, did you know the majority of children tend to develop their skills in a typical level of progression? Tracking your child’s milestones can be an excellent way to watch your child progress throughout their early years.
Please see the CDC website for more information or the Ages and Stages by the American Academy of Pediatrics for information related to developmental monitoring and activities to promote development at home.
Please note that developmental monitoring is not a replacement for developmental screening or evaluation. If you have any questions about whether your child may be demonstrating a delay or disability, please read on for more information regarding the evaluation process.
Screenings / Evaluations
Screenings
Elmbrook schools offers developmental screenings for 3-4 year old children who are not yet enrolled in 4k. A screening is a very brief informal assessment led by early childhood educators that focuses on early child development. A child’s development is screened through observation, informal assessments, and play. The purpose is to provide families with general strategies to promote overall development. A short parent conference is provided directly following the screening. If concerns are noted during the screening, staff will discuss options for a special education evaluation. Please see our 24-25 screening flyer for more information and how to sign up.
Evaluations
Elmbrook Schools also offers formal evaluations starting at age 3 years old for children who reside within our district boundaries. Formal evaluations are intended to consider whether your child has a disability and may be eligible for special education services. A screening is not required prior to the evaluation process. If you or someone close to your child believes your child may have a disability, please reach out to the early childhood team to make a referral for an evaluation. Our team would be happy to discuss our comprehensive evaluation process and answer any questions you may have. Please see the annual notice of child find here for more information regarding evaluations.
Contact Information
Please reach out to Nicole Heller, school psychologist, at hellern@elmbrookschools.org
For general questions regarding early childhood services, please reach out to Lizzy Augustin, coordinator of early learning special education, at augustie@elmbrookschools.
Early Childhood Services
The School District of Elmbrook provides early childhood services for children identified with a disability, beginning at the age of three years old. Each child who is eligible to receive special education services is provided with an individualized education program (IEP) that is based around their unique learning style, strengths, and opportunities for growth. In order to qualify for services, the IEP team would conduct a school-based formal assessment to determine eligibility.
Services may include the following:
- Early childhood special education services which may include instruction in the following:
- social development
- pre-academic development
- self-help skills
- behavior
- speech/language services
- occupational therapy
- physical therapy