Preschool-Typical Peer Program

Dothan City Early Education Center Peer Program

What is the Typical Peer Program?

The Dothan City Early Education Typical Peer Program was mandated by the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE) to integrate peers with no disabilities with peers in a special education classroom setting that do have one or more disability. The Typical Peer Program is under the guidance of Bridge Builders Special Education Program that is located at Dothan City Early Education Center. Typical peers must demonstrate appropriate learning behaviors that can be modeled to their disabled peers. Typical peers are also taught the preschool curriculum and assessed on pre-literacy skills throughout the school year.

What are the requirements for the program?

In order for a child to qualify for the program, he/she must be three years of age by September 1^st of the new school year. He/she must not receive any private services such as speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, ABA therapy, or exhibit any inappropriate behaviors. He/she must be potty-trained, communicates verbally with others, and can feed himself/herself. Your child must go through a screening process that is administered by the Bridge Builders Special Education Teachers.

 How do I apply for the Typical Peer Program?

You can apply on the Dothan City Early Education Center website in January of every year. Or, you can apply on the Dothan City Early Education Facebook Page.

 When will I be notified if my child was accepted into the program?

Parents will be notified in March if their child has been selected to be screened for the Typical Peer Program. At that time, you will be scheduled to bring your child in for a two hour “mock” school day. Your child will be screened in the five domain areas of development as outlined by the ALSDE:

·         Cognitive (thinking and learning)

·         Communication (understanding and using language)

·         Physical/Motor (vision, hearing, and movement)

·         Social/Emotional (getting along with other peers)

·         Adaptive/Self-help (independent living skills, such as toileting, eating, and dressing)

Who should I contact for more information regarding the Typical Peer Program?

For more information on the Typical Peer Program, you can contact Preschool Special Education Bridge Builders at 794-1420 ext. 332030.