Brown County Schools
Preschool Program
Our grant funds from Early Learning Indiana, the Brown County Community Foundation and the Smithville Charitable Foundation have given all children the opportunity to experience individualized learning using a comprehensive, research-based curriculum that features exploration and discovery as a way of learning.
We understand that a child’s social, emotional, physical, and cognitive development is best nurtured among caring adults and peers within an environment that extends curiosity and enriches learning. Our program is child-centered while providing the structure needed for children to feel safe within predictable routines. We respect that each child is uniquely individual and eagerly watch for and celebrate learning milestones as a natural outcome of play and guided learning activities.
About Our Curriculum
Our preschool curriculum is based on the 2015 Indiana Early Learning Foundations. During each class session, children move through a series of specially designed learning centers where they may participate at their own personal level of interest and ability. The curriculum focuses on learning basic concepts and skills through hands-on experiences and activities. Some centers are designed to develop large and small motor skills while others are more academically oriented. By using the 2015 Indiana Early Learning Foundations as our guide, we provide a comprehensive approach to addressing development of the whole child.
We currently use The Creative Curriculum for Preschool. Lessons are based on the Indiana Early Learning Foundations and The Creative Curriculum’s Progressions of Development and Learning. The progressions show widely held expectations of learning and development for different age-groups. The progressions show the usual sequence of development, so teachers can assess each child accurately and use the information to plan instruction. Teachers make decisions each day as they observe children and respond in appropriate ways. The observations require teachers to think about each child and consider how best to provide support. Specific areas of learning for children include Social Emotional, Physical, Language, Cognitive, Literacy, and Mathematics, Science and Technology, Social Studies, and The Arts.
The teachers use six Teaching Guides throughout the year to help introduce content in a cohesive, sequential manner. Children enjoy the featured studies that begin with exploring children’s questions through a series of investigations which are structured by days. The Creative Curriculum for Preschool connects theory and research, how children develop and learn, designing an environment for learning, what children need to learn, caring and teaching practices, and the value of partnering with families.
WE BUILD THE FOUNDATION FOR COMMUNITY LEADERS
Brown County schools offer a fully inclusive, structured, child-centered program that celebrates a community of early learners! Open enrollment is for children ages 3 to 5 years.
our certifications
Paths to quality
Each of our three elementary schools are Paths to Quality Level 3 programs and are home to two preschool classrooms staffed with a 1/10 ratio. Paths to QUALITY™ is Indiana’s statewide rating system for early care and education programs. It is a free resource to help families make informed decisions and to help early care and education providers improve the quality of their programs.
get more information about Paths to Quality
qualified teachers
All of Brown County Schools preschool instructors earn Child Development Associate (CDA) certification. Our building principals serve as Preschool Directors and work together to assure a quality early learning experience is accessible to ALL children.
We want your child to enjoy coming to preschool! We use positive classroom practices as the foundation for building a joyful community of learners. Our teachers and support staff take every opportunity to honor creativity and wonder as primary means for cultivating self-confidence and self-expression. Conversation, observation and patient listening are the tools used by our entire Preschool team to develop the relationships children depend on as they work through challenges and share their accomplishments.
On My Way Pre-K
Your child may qualify for free pre-kindergarten.
Your child may qualify for free, high-quality pre-kindergarten at Brown County Schools. Through Indiana’s On My Way Pre-K program, your child will build a foundation of skills, knowledge and confidence to do well in kindergarten.
To apply for On My Way Pre-K:
- Your child must be 4 years old by August 1
- Your family must meet other eligibility requirements
- Apply online anytime, anywhere at onmywayprek.org
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Special Education
Students eligible for preschool under IDEA Part B (special education law) pay no tuition and round-trip transportation is provided. In addition to a preschool teacher they interact with a licensed special education staff.
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Full-Day Sessions
Tuition is charged by the day with a minimum of 2 days per week recommended for each child. For further information regarding preschool tuition, contact your school’s Principal or the Brown County Schools district office at 812-988-6601.
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Qualified Teachers
All of Brown County Schools preschool instructors earn Child Development Associate (CDA) certification. Our building principals serve as Preschool Directors and work together to assure a quality early learning experience is accessible to ALL children.
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Open Enrollment
Enrollment is rolling, so children are welcome to enroll and attend on or after their third birthday at any time during the school year. Each of our three elementary schools are Paths to Quality Level 3 programs and are home to two preschool classrooms staffed with a 1/10 ratio.
"Play is often talked about as if it were a relief from serious learning. But for children, play is serious learning. Play is really the work of childhood."
