3 to 5 Years

 
little boy in neon green shirt with black glasses

What DD Services are Available for Ages 3–5?

  • Individualized family plan based on your needs
  • Shelby Hills preschool
  • Autism programming and support
  • PT/OT/Speech Therapy Services
  • Provider & Resource Support

Eligibility for Ages 3–5

A child must be at least 3 but not of compulsory school age and must meet Ohio Department of Education standards, which require a deficit of 2 standard deviations below the average in one developmental area or 1.5 standard deviations below the average in two or more areas. Screenings are held monthly to process referrals of children who have a suspected delay.

Shelby Hills Preschool

young boy on swing

Shelby Hills Preschool celebrates childhood! Play is the work of children.

Young children learn best when given opportunities to select activities that encourage interactive play within a teacher planned environment. Differing levels of ability are expected, appreciated and used to design learning experiences.

Because families are the first and primary teachers of their young children, we strive to provide opportunities for all levels of family participation. A strong family/professional partnership is essential for successful programming.

We view children as developing individuals who deserve the respect of the adults in their world.

                    Typical Application Process

Applications may be submitted securely online for preschoolers ages 3-5 years old for the 2024-2025 school year beginning Tuesday, March 19, 2024 at 8:00 a.m.  The application will be open for 24 hours and will close for initial registrations on March 20, 2024 at 8:00 a.m.  Please review the frequently asked questions.

If you do not have a computer or internet, please call 937-658-6709 to reserve a computer at the Sidney center.

Occupational, Physical & Speech Therapy for Ages 3–5

young boy in occupational therapy

Occupational Therapy

Shelby Hills Occupational Therapists use a variety of play based interventions to improve a child’s fine motor coordination and strength. Fine motor play can vary from picking up small items with a tweezer to playing with puzzles.

The therapists also work with children who have difficulties with sensory processing and regulating sensory input from their environment. For example, a child with Sensory Processing Dysfunction may have a negative reaction to loud noises, slimy substances or distractions in a classroom. The therapists work individually with each child to discover how he or she is best able to respond to his or her environment.

young boy in wheelchair

Physical Therapy

Our goal through Physical Therapy is to decrease impairments and functional limitations to increase a child’s abilities. This is accomplished by improving developmental tasks, balance, coordination, motor planning, motor control and strength. This may include determining the need for adaptive equipment such as braces, walkers, and wheelchairs.

How we can help with bracing: We measure and cast for custom and off the shelf braces for children’s feet and lower legs. When bracing is done at a young age, it can provide good alignment of the feet and ankles and allow for bone growth to happen in this position.

young girl in preschool

Speech Therapy

The Speech Therapists at Shelby Hills use group times to work on a variety of language and articulation skills. They work on skills while children have fun making a craft to take home, making a snack to eat or while playing a game with their peers and teachers.

During group time, children work on increasing their vocabulary, improving their articulation, gaining confidence in communication and more.

Itinerant Preschool Program

young preschool girl

The role of the itinerant (traveling) teacher is that of consultant, provider of resources and a teacher.  The itinerant teacher’s main responsibility is to work with preschool teachers and parents to aid in providing appropriate experiences that are focused on learning outcomes in students Individual Education Program (IEP).

When preparing to enter kindergarten, the itinerant teacher will help with the process which includes meeting with staff and kindergarten teachers.

Childcare

3 children on playground

Wilma Valentine Childcare offers childcare services for children age 3-6. This non profit childcare center is housed on the site of the Shelby County Board of Developmental Disabilities offices, which includes Shelby Hills Early Childhood Center.