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Abstract

T ogether we can do this ... ," Gracie remembers saying to herself many times the first year. "Together we can make a great learning experience for the children. "

Gracie is a Head Start teacher. Her co-teachers are Mimi, an early childhood special educator; Paula, a paraprofessional; Sandra, a Title I teacher; Kerri, who is paid by the state preschool program; and Joan and David, child care providers. Several therapists are present part-time. Together this team operates two large classrooms with 35 children attending at each of two sessions per day. The space can be-and usually is-subdivided into smaller pods of children and teachers. Eight of the children in the morning group and seven in the afternoon group have special needs, some quite significant. Several children arrive for child care as early as 6:45 AM, and others stay as late as 5:15. Some children attend for three hours and some for four hours, while other children receive extended care and education. The children funded by the state preschool program attend just two days per week on alternating schedules. Together ... this team has created a blended preschool program.

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References

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Together We Can

Abstract

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