AM classes are from 9:15 - 11:45 a.m.

Parents may begin dropping off their students at 9:05 a.m. and instruction will begin at 9:15 a.m. Parents can park at the main parking lot and walk their child to the Preschool Door at the west side of the building. Dismissal will take place at the same door at 11:35 a.m.

PM classes are are from 1:00 - 3:30 p.m.

Parents may begin dropping off their students at 12:50 p.m. and instruction will begin at 1:00 p.m. Parents can park at the main parking lot and walk their child to the Preschool Door at the west side of the building. Dismissal will take place at the same door at 3:20 p.m.

Developmental Milestones for Preschoolers

Early Entrance to Kindergarten Guidelines

Early Learning Assessment FAQ

The Amherst Schools provide preschool special education services to children ages 3 through 5 who experience a developmental delay or disability. When a disability is suspected, referral can be made to the Amherst school district for a multifactored evaluation to be conducted by the preschool assessment team. This team usually consists of the school psychologist, preschool special education teacher, and speech therapist.

Little Comets Preschool serves children ages 3 through 5 years old. The preschool is located within Powers Elementary School. The classrooms are designed to meet the needs of all children. Each teacher can serve up to 8 children with developmental delays along with 8 typically developing 4 and 5 year old children (peer models). Each classroom has a classroom aide to assist during all activities. Classes are held Tuesday through Friday, AM and PM, for a minimum of 2 ½ hours each day. Mondays are currently used for conferences, assessment, inservice, and team meetings. Little Comets Preschool generally follows the Amherst Schools board adopted calendar.

Students are taught through a developmentally appropriate and multi-sensory curriculum aligned with the State of Ohio’s pre-kindergarten content standards. A typical preschool day includes fine and gross motor activities, language arts, math, writing center activities, playtime, snack, circle time (calendar, weather, music, & stories) and small group activities for more individualized instruction.

The program is licensed and monitored by the Ohio Department of Education division of early childhood. Classroom teachers are required to have a valid teaching license in the state of Ohio. Teachers and related staff are required to participate in ongoing professional development on a yearly basis and have a medical exam every 3 years.

Peer Models are children without delays or disabilities who are age 4 or 5 who are integrated and participate along with the special needs students in the preschool program. Peer Models will be exposed to cognitive, language, physical, and self-help development while developing peer relationships which are important for the social and cognitive development of every child. While benefiting from the preschool experience, these children provide peer interaction and social motivation for the preschoolers with special needs. All children learn, not only from adults, but from watching and interacting with other children. Peer Models must be 4 years old by August 1 for the year of participation. Participation as a peer is tuition-based. Transportation to and from school must be provided by the parent or guardian of a peer model. Peer Models must be toilet trained.

Preschool Screening and Evaluation Information

Preschool Supply List

Little Comets Preschool Handbook