Our Pre-K special education program serves children from the age of two-and-a-half to six years old. Students are placed in my class after being identified as needing special education services as prescribed by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

I have a warm and cordial relationship with the families of all of the students. Many of the families walk their children to class every morning. This gives me an opportunity to have frequent contact with my students’ families. In most cases I am acquainted with my students’ parents, siblings, and grandparents. I keep in touch with other family members through telephone calls and scheduled conferences.

Columbia County is located in north Florida in an area that is primarily rural. Lake City is the county seat and the largest town in the county. All eight elementary schools in Columbia County qualify for schoolwide Title I funds, indicating that many of our students come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds.

Westside Elementary School is three years old. We have a well-equipped computer lab with iMac™ computers, and each classroom is equipped with Apple and iMac™ computers. All classrooms and offices have T1 Internet connections. My students do not have a regularly scheduled time to use the computer lab, but we are free to use the lab whenever it is available.

Westside Elementary School has made a commitment to include all special education students in schoolwide activities. My students participate in assemblies, attend school plays, take part in the schoolwide character education program, and contribute to the daily announcements.