The Oak Ridge Schools’ Preschool Program was established in 1965. It is a federal, state 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, family service advocates, speech and language therapists, a school psychologist, special education inclusion teacher, teacher assistants, and other support staff.
In January 1996, Money magazine acknowledged the Oak Ridge School District 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.
