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Early Childhood Special Education

The Early Childhood Department is based out of the Early Learning Resource Center at Token Springs Elementary and serves children with disabilities ages 3 through 5 who are not yet enrolled in kindergarten. Based on a child's individual needs, we provide a range of services such as speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and/or specialized instruction by an Early Childhood Special Education Teacher.

Our philosophy is rooted in inclusive early childhood services, which means students with disabilities learn right alongside their typically developing peers to the greatest extent possible. Our partnerships in the community allow us to provide services in a variety of settings including daycares, preschools, and other community programs.

If you have concerns about your child, please contact us to discuss the referral and evaluation process.

Click here to see the continuum of placement options. 

Early Childhood Referrals:

  • Referrals are made by parents, physicians, Birth to Three, and preschool teachers or other professionals with permission from parents.
  • Areas of concern may include communication, pre-academic/cognitive, motor, self-care/adaptive, and/or social skills.
  • For any questions about the referral process, to sign up for a developmental screening, or to refer a child to be evaluated please contact the Early Childhood office at (608) 478-5187.
 

 

 

2019-2020 Sun Prairie Area School District Early Childhood Screenings

Developmental screenings provide a free developmental check for children 3 to 5 years old who are not yet enrolled in kindergarten. The purpose of the screening is to educate families about normal child development and to identify children who are in need of further assessment. District staff who are knowledgeable about typical milestones in all areas of development are on hand to play with children, answer questions, and address any concerns that the family might have regarding their child's development. Hearing and vision will also be screened by a district nurse.

The Sun Prairie Area School District will be holding Early Childhood Screening on the following dates:

Tuesday, September 24, 2019 from 4:00 - 7:00 pm

Wednesday, October 23, 2019 from 4:00 - 7:00 pm

Thursday, November 21, 2019 from 4:00 - 7:00 pm

Tuesday, December 17, 2019 from 4:00 - 7:00 pm

Tuesday, January 21, 2020 from 4:00 - 7:00 pm

Wednesday, February 19, 2020 from 4:00 - 7:00 pm

Tuesday, March 17, 2020 from 4:00 - 7:00 pm

 Wednesday, April 22, 2020 from 4:00 - 7:00 pm

Screenings are held by appointment only and are held at the Early Learning Resource Center at Token Springs Elementary - 1435 N. Thompson Rd. in Sun Prairie. Please fill out this form or contact Colleen Deal at cadeal@sunprairieschools.org or (608) 478-5187 to make an appointment.

Screening Flier - English
Screening Flier - Spanish

Early Childhood Resources

Sun Prairie Community Early Learning Opportunities

Here is a list of early learning opportunities in the Sun Prairie area. This list is not a comprehensive list of all options and is updated regularly.

Birth to 3 Program

  • For children from birth until their 3rd birthday who are suspected of having delays in development
  • (608) 273-3232

 

Head Start (free)

  • Free program 5 day per week for 3-and-4-year-olds whose families meet income requirements
  • Includes transportation, breakfast, and lunch

  • APPLY HERE

 

Home-Based Head Start Program (free)

  • Weekly home visit with transportation assistance
  • Child must be 3 years old to start

 

Library Storytime (free)

  • Geared toward ages 2 1/2-5, but all ages are welcome
  • (608) 825-0701

 

Community Schools Little Cardinals Playgroup (free)

  • For children ages 3 or 4 who are not yet 4K eligible
  • Parents are encouraged to drop off their children
  • Meets for a few hours a couple of days per week
  • Locations vary - currently Our Savior's Lutheran Church and Creekside Elementary
  • REGISTER HERE

 

Parks & Rec Little Cardinals Playgroup (small fee)

  • For children ages 3 or 4 who are not yet 4K eligible
  • Parents are encouraged to drop off their children
  • Meets for a few hours a couple of days per week
  • Currently held at Token Springs Elementary
  • (608) 837-3449

 

Child Care Centers/Preschools in the area (tuition costs vary by site)

Bright Horizons at the American Center*

Gingerbread House*

Grow in Peace - Peace Lutheran Church

Just for Me

Head Start*

Play Haven*

Learning Academy Preschool at Prairie Athletic Club

Rainbow Childcare

Rock-A-Bye*

Sacred Hearts*

Sun Prairie Nursery School*

Teddy’s Place*

YMCA (Northeast Branch)*

*designates sites that are part of the SP4K program

CONTACT INFORMATION

Rebecca Penticoff
Early Childhood Program Manager
rcpenti@sunprairieschools.org
608.478.5178

Colleen Deal
Early Childhood Developmental Specialist
cadeal@sunprairieschools.org
608.478.5187

Little Cardinals Community Schools Playgroup Registration 2019-2020

Little Cardinal's Community Schools Playgroup is a free playgroup for children ages 3 or 4 years old who are not yet 4K eligible. This program is a partnership with the Sun Prairie Community Schools and the Sun Prairie Area School District Early Childhood Special Education Department. Through play, we will focus on early literacy, language, music and movement activities.

We will have 2 sites available for the 2019-2020 school year!


- Our Savior's Lutheran Church on Mondays/Wednesdays from 10:00-11:45 am
- Creekside Elementary School on Tuesdays/Thursdays from 1:00-2:45 pm

Dates run in conjunction with the Sun Prairie School District Calendar. We will continue to run 5 sessions throughout the year in order to provide this opportunity to all 3 and 4 year olds in our community. The sessions will run as follows:

Session 1: September 9th - October 25th
Session 2: October 28th - December 20th
Session 3: January 6th - February 28th
Session 4: March 2nd - April 24th
Session 5: April 27th - June 11th

REGISTER HERE