Blackburn Hamlet Preschool is a parent co-operative established in 1971. The school is run by a parent Board of Directors – you and me. It consists of executive members and committee chairpersons. The board meets monthly to organize and maintain the school and when necessary, to hire the supervisor and staff. Committee members’ co-operation is essential for the smooth running of the school. Whether it be painting equipment of baking cookies – all jobs are important.
Since 1987, the preschool has offered an integrated program for children with special needs. Support from Children’s Integration support Services and an Integration Advisor assist with individual program plans. The children with special needs participate in all of the regular activities of the school as well as pursuing clearly outlined individual learning plans drawn up by the Integration Advisor. The entire teaching staff at the preschool is apprised of each individual program for the children with special needs and participate in it implementation.
All children are special and in this child-centered environment, activity centres are carefully planned to meet their developmental needs. Every age level has different needs, so the staff are continuously planning distinctive activity centres for the toddlers, preschoolers and junior and senior kindergarten children.