Good Shepherd School for Children is pleased to have provided early childhood educational services since 1967 for young children with special needs. The school was established at a time when children with special needs under the age of five were not served by local school districts and there were no private schools with such services. Over our 39 year history, the school has developed from a specialty preschool to a full service, inclusive early childhood education and therapy center for children of all abilities. While we take pride in our expertise regarding children who have developmental delays, we are even more proud to provide a unique program where kids can just be kids, playing side by side with friends, regardless of their abilities. It is our belief that all children have special needs, and that children have the right to go to school with friends and siblings, in their neighborhood, and in an inclusive environment.
In accordance with Good Shepherd School for Children's philosophy, our program is individually guided with a specific learning plan defined for each child. Formal assessment of each child's development is accomplished two times a year, in September and May. Collaboration with parents is crucial to the assessment and goal setting process to ensure that goals are appropriate and consistent between the school and home environments. "How Does Your Child Grow and Learn" is the assessment tool utilized. This tool is published by the Missouri Department of Secondary and Elementary Education. Goals for children with special needs are determined utilizing this tool and in conjunction with each child's individual education plan (IEP).
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