The Oak Ridge Schools’ Preschool Program was established in 1965. It is a federally and locally funded program for approximately 200 three and four-year-olds who are at risk. Children are referred to the program by various community agencies, and many are identified through the Oak Ridge Schools’ annual Child Find as well as referrals from physicians. Children in the program receive services to help meet their special educational, physical, emotional, and social needs.
The program is staffed by a principal, licensed early childhood teachers, social worker, speech and language therapists, a movement education teacher, school psychologist, special education inclusion teacher, teacher assistants, and other support staff.
In January 1996, Money magazine acknowledged the Oak Ridge Schools among a group of districts throughout the United States for having outstanding programs. In particular, the article cited the system for providing a Preschool program for three and four-years-olds considered at risk for learning.
Oak Ridge Schools’ Preschool utilizes The Creative Curriculum which helps children learn developmentally appropriate math and literacy skills, as well as social–emotional, physical, and cognitive skills.
