Baldwin Early Childhood Learning Center

Baldwin Early Childhood Learning Center has an early childhood program that is important for meeting the intellectual, linguistic, social, emotional and physical needs of our young children.

Young people learn through active, concrete, direct experiences. They learn with their bodies and their senses, as well as with their minds. They discover through experimentation, exploration, problem solving, play and expressive activitites in music and the arts, and sensory-motor experiences.

The Pre-Kindergarten Program consists of four preschool classes for children with special needs, four pre-kindergarten classes, and four inclusion classes made up of special needs and regular pre-kindergarten students. In addition to teachers and teacher assistants, Baldwin employs a part-time nurse, a part-time ESL teacher, two occupational therapists, a speech therapist, an adaptive physical education instructor, a social worker, a learning consultant, and a school psychologist. This team of experts services the special needs population on a regular schedule and functions as consultants for the four pre-kindergarten classes.

The Pre-Kindergarten Program is dedicated to the concept that children be given the opportunity to acquire those skills that will prepare them for success in the elementary school program. A solid foundation, a strong sense of self-esteem, an excitement and curiosity for learning and an enthusiasm for school are all essential for later learning.

The program incorporates an extensive Early Childhood Curriculum that was developed by the faculty and staff aligned with the New Jersey Department of Education Early Childhood Expectations, under the direction of Claire Punda, LRC Pre-School Consultant. The Early Childhood Curriculum contains expectations in Social/Emotional Development, Creative Arts, Health, Safety and Physical Education, Language Arts Literacy, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies. The curriculum also contains on-going themes, school-wide events, best practices, a progress report and a developmental checklist. This presents a measurable means by which children can build a strong sense of accomplishment and parents can follow their child's progress.

The State Legislature has mandated programs for children with special needs between the ages of three and five years old. During the spring of each year, children are identified through a community search and given a complete evaluation by the Child Study Team to determine eligiblity for classification as a pre-school disabled child based on specific criteria from the New Jersey Regulations for Special Education. Children classified as eligible for pre-school disabled services are provided a full range of related services such as transportation, physical therapy, speech therapy and/or counseling as determined by the Child Study Team. Each child has an Individual Education Plan (IEP) which specifies the areas of special education needs, sets goals and achievement criteria. The Child Study Team, classroom special education teachers, and parents develop the IEP. A philosphy of integration is used whenever possible. Integration participation in all activities of the total school environment. These interactions can take place in a variety of physical, social, or academic settings.

Our Parent/Teacher Association is active in administering our Cultural Arts program. The objective is to provide students with "hands-on" programs that are interactive in nature. Throughout the year students participate in activities outside the classroom.

Literature plays a significant role in the instructional program. Baldwin has been awarded a Reading is Fundamental (RIF) grant for the last eight years. This grant provides paperback books to all students free of charge. Seasonal themes are created to correlate with each book distribution. A corresponding Sing-A-Long with all pre-schoolers involved highlights the RIF presentation. Nursery Rhyme characters are hand painted throughout the main hall to reinforce stories that are read to the students in class and at home.

In addition to our other activities, each classroom is equipped with two computers and appropriate pre-school programs to motivate students. Young children are introduced to the wonderful world of technology and are taught how to use the mouse, monitor, keyboard, recognize their icon, etc. The sixteen-unit software package can be understood in seven languages and will enhance the communication and language experiences of all students. Parents are invited to explore the software material and assist with the computer program if possible. A computer network has been installed which links all the classrooms together.

Baldwin Early Childhood Learing Center is a wonderful, exciting, enjoyable place for our pre-schoolers to learn and grow. It is a very happy experience for everyone involved.

Andrea Rivera
856-662-8464