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Keystone Learning Services (formerly North East Kansas Education Service Center) sponsors early childhood special education (ECSE) classrooms in local school buildings. These preschools are designed for children 3 to 5 years of age who qualify for services in areas such as communicating, learning, hearing, seeing, moving, or socializing. The classrooms have half-day sessions and operate during the school year. Currently these programs are housed in Meriden, Oskaloosa, and Effingham. To enhance the program, children who are developing typically have been accepted as peer models. There are openings beginning in the fall. Below are guidelines for selecting peer models. Applications are currently being accepted and names will be randomly selected. Please call the Keystone Learning Services office at (785) 876-2214 to have your child’s name put on the list or if you have any questions. The application deadline is May 14. Parents will be notified by May 15th if their child’s name is drawn.
Guidelines for selecting peer models for ECSE classrooms:
1. The child must reside in one of the seven school districts served by Keystone. These districts are Perry Public USD #343, Jefferson West USD #340, Oskaloosa #341, McLouth USD #342, Jefferson County North USD #339, Valley Falls USD #338, and Atchison County USD #377.
2. It is preferred that peer models be 4 years old on or before September 1. However, 3 year olds will be considered. Children must be potty trained.
Children turning 5 prior to Sept. 1 are considered kindergarten eligible and are not eligible for Keystone preschool programs.
3. Children chosen for peer model positions will need to be screened at a Count Your Kid in screening prior to the start of the new school year. The purpose of this screening is to verify that the child is not experiencing developmental delays. An appointment for Count Your Kid In can be made by contacting Vicki Keling at the Keystone telephone number listed above or vkeling@keystonelearning.org Keystone Learning Services does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, or age in its programs and activities. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: Deputy Director, Keystone Learning Services, 500 E Sunflower, Ozawkie, KS 66070, 785-876-2214.
Revised 6/28/21