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Preschool Information

The FHSD preschool program is designed to meet the diverse needs of all students by creating an engaging community of learners ages 3 to 5 years old.

All school districts are required by federal law to provide special education and related services for preschool-age students that are identified with a disability. The Forest Hills Preschool Program integrates preschool students that are typically developing (peer models) with children that have identified needs and require an Individualized Education Program (IEP).  

PEER MODEL INFORMATION FOR THE 2023-24 SCHOOL YEAR

The Forest Hills Preschool Program uses an online application and lottery system for Peer Model acceptance into the Preschool Program. The application is currently closed for the 2023-2024 school year. Please complete a Peer Model Application to be added to the waitlist for the 2023-24 School Year.

Details of a Peer Model Program:

Peer Model Admissions Criteria:                                                       

Additional Information:

If you are interested in having your child attend the Forest Hills Preschool Program as a peer model and your child meets all the Peer Model Criteria (listed above), please complete a Peer Model Application.

Please contact Matt Patterson, Preschool Administrator,  mattpatterson@foresthills.edu, or Jody Brandon, Preschool Case Coordinator, jodybrandon@foresthills.edu, at 231-3600 with any additional questions. 

Age Requirement for Children with Special Needs:                                                                                              

Students with identified special needs must be 3 years old before they can begin to receive Special Education and Related Services. The Forest Hills School District provides a continuum of services based on your child's needs. Services may include individual or group intervention supports (e.g., speech, occupational therapy, physical therapy) or participation in our center-based preschool program. These services will be determined at your child's Individualized Education Plan (IEP) meeting. For questions, please contact Forest Hills Preschool Administrative Assistant, Cassie Quigley, at 231-3600, ext. 2950.

Pay tuition and fees:

Click here to pay tuition and fees for preschool.

The Forest Hills School District preschool program is recognized for excellence 

                                                                     

                                                                           

Sherwood Elementary School  has received the 5-Star Step Up To Quality Award from the Ohio Department of Education and Ohio Department of Job and Family Services. Step Up To Quality is a rating and improvement system. The system recognizes and promotes learning and development programs that meet quality program standards that exceed preschool licensing and school age child care licensing health and safety regulations. Step Up To Quality program standards are based on national research identifying standards which lead to improved outcomes for children.

PRESCHOOL GUIDE AND ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:

Below is the link to a Padlet which is an online storage tool for information.   The Padlet contains various information (such as the Preschool Program Guide, medical forms, school calendar, and school supply list)  and support resources for families (such as developmental resources, visual supports, and the contact information to the Parent Resource Coordinator).  

PADLET LINK.

HEALTHCHEK

Healthchek is Ohio's Early and Periodic Screening, Diagnosis and Treatment Program. It is a service package for babies, kids and young adults younger than age 21 who are enrolled on Ohio Medicaid. The purpose of Healthchek is to discover and treat health problems early. If a potential health problem is found, further diagnosis and treatment are covered by Medicaid. Healthchek covers ten check-ups in the first two years of life and annual check-ups thereafter and offers a comprehensive physical examination. You can read more information here.  

HEAD START

The Hamilton County Educational Service Center operates a Head Start Preschool at Mercer Elementary for children ages 3 – 5 years old.  Full day classes are taught by qualified early childhood teachers and are intended to help children enter kindergarten ready to learn. Nutritious meals and snacks are provided as a component of this comprehensive program.  The program is no cost to families who qualify by one of the following ways: meeting certain income requirements, receive TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), receive Social Security Income, or provide foster or kinship care.  For more information and to enroll, call HCESC at 513-674- 4329 or visit http://hcescheadstart.org/.

NEW PRESCHOOL RULES REQUIREMENTS

The new preschool rules (OAC 3301-37) state that "In ensuring that a continuum of alternative placements is available to meet the needs of children with disabilities for special education and related services, a school district shall annually prepare, post publicly, and make available to parents during the evaluation process; a list of the available preschool education service options in the community. This list shall not be limited to service providers within the geographic boundaries of the district but shall include providers outside the limits of the school district boundaries that may be more easily accessible to children with disabilities living within the boundaries of the school district. This list shall inform the discussions and decision on the appropriate placement of each child with a disability." 

Therefore, the Forest Hills School District is meeting a mandate in the Ohio Preschool Rules by identifying community preschools, within and outside of the district boundaries, which are easily accessible to district families. This posting is not an endorsement of any particular community preschool nor does it constitute a placement decision if a parent elects to send their child to a school included on this list.

To conduct your own web search you can utilize this link: Find Child Care

Some of the available preschool services options in our community include: Community Preschool Programs

 

Forest Hills School District 
7946 Beechmont Avenue
Cincinnati, Ohio 45255

Please contact Matt Patterson, Preschool Administrator,  mattpatterson@foresthills.edu or 513.231.7565, ext. 2509 with any concerns.