Peer applications now being accepted for the
2013 - 2014 School Year


Applications are required for children ages 3-5 to be considered as peer models for preschool students with developmental delays. See below for form.

Preschool Classes meet Tuesdays through Fridays at the following Juneau Schools during the school year:

Mendenhall River:  8:00am to 10:30am  or 12:00pm to 2:30pm
Gastineau:              8:00am to 10:30am  or  12:00pm to 2:30pm
Riverbend:              8:00am to 10:30am  or  12:00pm to 2:30pm
Harborview:            8:00am to 10:30am  or  12:00pm to 2:30pm


• Children must be three years old by September 1, 2013.
• Children must be toilet trained to be eligible.
• Parents must provide transportation.
• Selected applicants will be invited to a required play session for final selection.

For applications, see below, call 780-2063, or pick up an application at the Offices of Student Services, RM D212 @Thunder Mountain High School @3101 Riverside DR.
Applications will be accepted & placed on a waitlist.

What is the Integrated Preschool?

The Juneau School District’s Integrated Preschool Program brings together children who have special needs with those who exhibit developmentally appropriate skills and can serve as peer role models.  This diverse group of children learns together, grows together, plays together and forms friendships.  Each child in the group is a unique individual sharing many similarities but demonstrating many differences - and we recognize and respect these individual similarities and differences.

The preschool curriculum is designed to facilitate the language, cognitive, social, emotional and physical development of all children.  Offered daily are experiences in art, music, movement, science, cooking, reading, writing and math.  Within these experiences, communication, social interaction, problem-solving and self-help skills are emphasized.

Our staff consists of an early childhood/special education teacher, two paraprofessionals, a physical therapist and a speech therapist.  Other specialists, such as a vision specialist or occupational therapist, are involved in the classroom as needed.  We are a team, working together to provide early intervention services for children experiencing disabilities and to provide an enriched developmentally appropriate preschool program for all the children.

Information specific for students with special needs:

• Once a student with special needs turns 3 years old they are eligible to be placed in preschool.
• Students with special needs go through a referral process and must have a current Individualized Education Plan (IEP) in place prior to starting preschool.
• Only students with special needs have access to school district transportation.
• The integrated preschool program is free for students with special needs.
• If you need more information regarding the referral process or would like to refer your child for special education you can contact Student Services at 780-2054.

Information specific for peer models: 

• Peers must be at least 3 years old before September 1st.  Students who are 5 years old prior to September 1st are not eligible to be peers in the preschool program.
• Peers must be fully potty-trained prior to starting preschool.
• Peers must attend a play session prior to enrollment in preschool.
• Families of peers must provide thier own transportation.
• The tuition fee for peer models is $175 per month. Payment is due by the 25th of the month prior to the month being billed.  Invoices will be mailed directly to families and payments should be sent directly to Student Services (return envelopes are included with the mailed invoice).  Checks are to be made out to JSD - Preschool.        

I’M SPECIAL

 I’m special...

In all the world there’s nobody like me.

Nobody has my smile.

Nobody has my nose, hair, or voice.

I’m special...

No one laughs like me or cries like me.

No one sees things just as I do.

No one reacts just as I would react.

I’m special...

I’m the only one in all creation who has my set of abilities.

My unique combination of gifts, talents, and abilities

are an original symphony.

I’m special...

And in all my rarity there is great value.

I need not imitate others.

I will accept --yes celebrate my differences.

I’M SPECIAL!!!