Board of DD, Hills & Dales preschool program welcome all children ages 3-5

The Highland County Board of Developmental Disabilities (HCBDD) Hills and Dales preschool program integrates students with special needs into classes with their typically developing peers.

There are many benefits to an integrated classroom setting. Regardless of their ability level, kids learn from each other. In the integrated learning environment, children with special needs have the opportunity to observe typically developing children who are positive role models in the classroom. 
Friendships are also developed early, prior to entering the public school system. For children with typical abilities, some benefits of an integrated classroom include learning tolerance and empathy for others and gaining an appreciation for diversity in our communities.

The HCBDD Hills and Dales preschool program serves children with disabilities through an IEP (Individual Education Program) that is written based on the child’s ETR (Evaluation Team Report) and the needs of the child. Children, who are identified by their local school district as having a disability, can be referred to attend our preschool program. This process starts at the local school district.

The preschool program is licensed by the Ohio Department of Education and follows all those required policies and procedures as well as those that fall under the Department of Developmental Disabilities.

Preschool classes for the 2015-2016 school year will begin Aug. 17, 2015 and are held all day Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. for children with and without special needs ages 3-5 years old. Transportation is also available.

Applications for enrollment are now being accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis. Enrollment applications can be downloaded on the Board’s Facebook page at: https://www.facebook.com/HCBDD or by picking up an application in person at the Highland County Board of Developmental Disabilities, which is located in the same building as the Hills and Dales School at 8919 US Route 50 East in Hillsboro.

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