Historically, special education programs provided a separate early childhood program for 3 year-old students with disabilities. The purpose of this program was to provide early intervention for these students with hopes of improved performance as they move forward in their academic careers. While this service model has provided many positive outcomes for a number of children, the School District of Monroe believes there is a better way to serve our youngest learners.
After reviewing early childhood research and examining programs in other school districts, the School District of Monroe has developed the Integrated Early Childhood Program. This program has established a classroom environment where 3 year-old students with disabilities learn side-by-side with their same-age peers. The typically developing peers serve to provide appropriate language and behavioral models that reinforce the learning process facilitated by the early childhood specialists. Research has demonstrated that integrating young children with and without disabilities has positive benefits for both groups of students.
The Integrated Early Childhood Program offers services to students two days per week, three hours per day. Each class will be capped at 12 students. The program is served by an experienced early childhood teacher and a variety of early childhood support specialists.
Children with disabilities that qualify for special education services are assigned to this program via an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
Students that do not have an IEP may apply to participate in the program via a lottery application form. See the application form below. If the number of applicants exceeds the number of available spots, the District will randomly select students to participate in the program.
The program is free for all students.
If you have any questions, please contact Sherry Heldt:
Email: sherryheldt@monroe.k12.wi.us
Phone: (608) 328-7184. | 
