DW. Highway - Learning Assistance Program (Sp.Ed.)

(Ages 2 years to 6 years - Transportation is the responsibility of the families)

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Learning Assistance Classroom

Ages 3–6 Years | Individualized Learning & Developmental Support

Every child learns differently, and every child deserves a place where they feel safe, supported, understood, and successful.

About Our Learning Assistance Classroom

At Wildcat Falls Early Learning Center, we believe that every child has unique strengths, abilities, and ways of experiencing the world. Our Learning Assistance Classroom is thoughtfully designed for children ages 3 to 6 who may benefit from additional guidance, individualized instruction, sensory support, or a smaller, more structured learning environment.

This specialized classroom provides a nurturing, patient, and understanding atmosphere for children who may find traditional group childcare settings overwhelming or challenging.

Our program welcomes children with a variety of developmental, behavioral, sensory, social-emotional, and learning differences, including children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, sensory processing challenges, developmental delays, and difficulties adjusting to larger classroom environments.

Our goal is not to change who a child is, but to help each child develop the skills, confidence, and independence needed to thrive.

A Classroom Designed for Individual Success

We understand that a busy childcare classroom can sometimes feel overwhelming. Loud noises, large groups, transitions, social interactions, and daily routines can present unique challenges for some children.

Our Learning Assistance Classroom offers a more individualized approach, allowing children to learn and grow at their own pace while receiving the encouragement and support they need.

Through predictable routines, smaller group activities, hands-on learning, sensory-friendly experiences, and individualized guidance, we create opportunities for children to build confidence and celebrate their achievements.

What Our Program Focuses On

Sensory Exploration & Regulation

Providing sensory-friendly activities, calming spaces, movement opportunities, and appropriate sensory tools to help children recognize and manage their individual sensory needs.

Communication & Language Development

Encouraging children to express their wants, needs, emotions, and ideas through verbal communication, visual supports, gestures, and other appropriate communication methods.

Social & Emotional Growth

Helping children develop friendships, understand emotions, practice social interactions, build coping strategies, and strengthen emotional regulation in a supportive environment.

Early Learning & School Readiness

Introducing early literacy, math, problem-solving, fine motor activities, and kindergarten readiness skills through engaging, developmentally appropriate learning experiences.

Independence & Daily Living Skills

Supporting children as they practice following routines, transitioning between activities, toileting, self-help skills, making choices, and completing age-appropriate tasks independently.

A Flexible Approach to Learning

No two children learn in exactly the same way. Our educators work to understand each child's strengths, interests, challenges, and developmental needs.

Our classroom may incorporate:

• Individualized learning activities and achievable developmental goals.

• Small-group and one-on-one instructional opportunities.

• Visual schedules, first-then boards, and predictable routines.

• Sensory breaks, movement activities, and calming strategies.

• Positive behavioral guidance and emotional regulation support.

• Play-based learning that encourages exploration and creativity.

• Opportunities for supported participation in age-appropriate group activities.

We recognize that progress looks different for every child. Whether a child successfully participates in circle time, communicates a need, develops a new friendship, or navigates a difficult transition, every milestone deserves to be celebrated.

Building Bridges to the Traditional Classroom

One of the important goals of our Learning Assistance Program is to help children develop the confidence and skills needed to participate successfully in a group learning environment when appropriate.

For some children, our classroom may provide temporary additional support while they develop foundational skills. For others, ongoing individualized assistance may be beneficial.

When appropriate, children may have opportunities to participate in activities with their same-age peers in our Preschool, Junior Pre-K, or Pre-K classrooms.

These experiences can help children practice social skills, build relationships, and become more comfortable with group routines while continuing to receive individualized support.

Our focus is on inclusion, not isolation. Children are encouraged to participate in the learning environments that best support their individual development, comfort, and success.

Working Together With Families

We believe families are essential partners in their child's education and development.

Our educators value open communication and collaboration with parents and caregivers to better understand each child's unique needs, celebrate progress, and create consistent strategies between home and school.

When applicable and with family permission, we also welcome collaboration with outside professionals, including speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, behavioral specialists, early childhood special educators, and other providers involved in a child's development.

Our Promise to Every Child

At Wildcat Falls Early Learning Center, we believe children should never feel that they do not belong simply because they learn, communicate, behave, or experience the world differently.

Our Learning Assistance Classroom is built on patience, compassion, respect, understanding, and the belief that every child has the potential to grow.

We strive to create a place where differences are embraced, individual accomplishments are celebrated, and children feel confident being themselves.

Because every child deserves the opportunity to learn, belong, and shine in their own way.

Important program distinction: This description presents a specialized childcare learning-support classroom, not a promise of clinical therapy or a state-approved special education program. Services, staffing, accommodations, and any IEP-related responsibilities should be described according to what your center is actually equipped and authorized to provide.

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