The Learning Connection (TLC) Preschool
The Learning Connection (TLC) preschool program was established to support students identified with special education needs as required by Federal and State regulations under IDEA. There are two TLC locations, one in Pembroke at the Pembroke Hill School and another in Allenstown at the Allenstown Elementary School. TLC Pembroke has a morning and afternoon session for 3, 4 and 5 year old children. TLC Allenstown has an afternoon session for 3, 4, and 5 year old children. Both preschool programs accept children from the towns of Allenstown, Chichester, Epsom, and Pembroke into their programs.
Although TLC is considered a special education preschool placement, our program allows for the benefit of an inclusive classroom by inviting typically developing children into our preschool classes as peer models. The children within our preschool classes are selected, first by those identified with special education needs. In addition, peer model students are screened in the spring for the following school year. After a one hour screening, staff select peer model students based on the needs of each classroom. The number of peer models in each classroom fluctuates from year to year.
All students regardless of strengths and weaknesses participate in all aspects of our specialized, language-based program. The TLC preschool programs are committed to early intervention and its benefit for the development of all of our students. It is our mission to provide exemplary special education services to our students while at the same time providing support and resources to our parents in our communities.
In addition to our TLC preschool enrollment process, SAU53 conducts five Child Find screenings a year. These screenings, which last about one hour, look at a child’s academic, social, speech, and motor development. If you are interested in having your child attend a Child find screening, contact the SAU office at 603-485-5187 for more information.
Although preschool screenings are scheduled throughout the year, contact may also be made to the Special Education Coordinator of your town (Allenstown, Chichester, Epsom, and Pembroke) by calling your local elementary school and asking for the Special Education Coordinator at any time if there is concern regarding your child’s development.
If you have any questions or are looking for more information about the TLC preschool programs, please contact Paula Holden at 603-485-9000 ext 4225.
