| |
Life Without Limits Children's Education Center
Therapy | Admission |
Tuition | Volunteer |
FAQs
Loan Program | Success Story
| Resources | Contacts
UCP Preschool
 UCP
Preschool is one of the most exceptional educational experiences
available for children with any type of developmental disability in the
Dallas/Ft Worth area. The preschool is located at the
UCP of North Texas
Harry Hines Service Center in Dallas about 3.5 miles from
Children’s Hospital of Dallas and 4.5 miles from Scottish Rite hospital.
The UCP Preschool is open to children ages 18 months to 6 years of age.
The preschool operates year round (52 weeks)with hours of 7am to 6pm,
Monday through Friday. Children are provided individual attention and
supervision with a staff to student ratio no greater than 1:3. Classroom
instruction emphasizes on the development of motor, social and language
skills. The ultimate outcome goal is the child’s successful transition
to a mainstream Kindergarten program whenever possible.
 UCP
Preschool provides a modified curriculum that allows each child to
strengthen their educational skills. Through a developmental inventory
we are able identify each child’s abilities that need improving and
their strengths and weaknesses. Once specific skills are identified,
goals are developed. This allows us to modify the curriculum to better
address each child’s individual education and needs.
Therapy Services
(Top)
 A
unique feature of the 'Life Without Limits Children's Education Center' is that all children receive
their necessary physical, occupational, and/or speech therapy while they
are at school. This therapy is conducted in one-on-one sessions outside
of the classroom, unlike most programs that may only provide therapy in
groups within the class, or only provide consultation to the classroom
teacher. Therapists also consult with the Early Childhood Teacher about
how best to incorporate treatment goals and strategies within the
classroom environment.
The 'Life Without Limits Children's
Education Center' offers therapy services through the contracted
therapy providers
Dynamic Therapy and North Dallas Therapy. Speech, Physical and Occupational Therapy services are
available to children through age 21. Consultations and evaluations are
provided for
wheelchairs and other adaptive equipment, including augmentative
communication devices. We can also assist families in obtaining braces
and other mobility devices.
Therapy services are billed through traditional Medicaid or private
insurance first. Families without other insurance will be billed $80 per
hour or may apply for a reduced fee rate. Copies of verification of
Medicaid, CSHCN, or private insurance are needed for therapy services.
Admission Policy
(Top)
The 'Life Without Limits Children's
Education Center' Admission Policy is designed to protect and promote
the interests of the children we serve. UCP is committed to providing
the highest quality of education for children with
Cerebral Palsy and other developmental
disabilities in preparing them for a successful transition into the
mainstream school system. This commitment requires maintaining a
manageable teacher-to-child ratio within the classroom enabling teachers
to provide sufficient attention to meet each individual child’s
educational and emotional needs.
Procedures
Admission to the
'Life Without Limits Children's Education Center' is subject to the Admission Committee
approval. The Admission Committee consists of Chief Operating Officer of
UCP, the Director of the Preschool, the Lead Teacher, and Therapist. At
any time the President of UCP may approve or deny any application for
admission.
-
Children are accepted on a first-come, first-serve basis; however,
preferential consideration will be given to children with the types of
disabilities our facility and team are able to serve most effectively
and efficiently, including the following:
-
Children requiring one-on-one supervision will be accepted
only when
the teacher/child ratio is not compromised. In cases where the ratio is
not in balance, the child is referred to another appropriate facility
for service or placed on a waiting list until such time that enrollment
allows a manageable teacher/child ratio.
-
Program acceptance for children requiring more specific or specialized
assistance will be determined on an individual basis. Examples include gastrostomy or nasal gastric feedings, or tracheotomy.
-
Children participating in the preschool program must:
-
Be free from any life support systems such as ventilators, heart
monitors, etc.
-
Be free from communicable diseases within 14 days prior to entry to
the program.
-
(Ages 4 and 5) Must complete a vision and hearing screening within 120
days of admission and provide a copy of those records to UCP.
-
Before a child can be enrolled in preschool or therapy services, the
following documentation must be submitted:
-
Physician’s Referral form or other written statement from a licensed
health professional that has examined the child within the past year
that states the child is able to participate in the program.
-
Current immunization records.
Tuition Fees (Top)
 The
majority of the preschool’s operating costs are supported by revenue
from fund raising activities, donations from United Way, grants and
other corporate and private donations.
Tuition is set annually. Tuition for the 2008 year is $6,480 for the
year, or $540.00 per month. Families may receive a “scholarship” on a
monthly basis if they meet the
low-income eligibility criteria.
However, there are limited scholarships available and families will be
awarded scholarships on a first-come, first-serve basis. 'Life Without
Limits Children's Education Center'
is a Child Care Group vendor and in order for families to receive
scholarships they have to be on the Child Care Assistance waiting list.
Preschool Application
Preschool Calendar
Volunteers (Top)
 'Life
Without Limits Children's Education Center' extends an invitation for volunteers. Those who wish to
volunteer must pass criminal history background check through Texas
Department of Family and Protective Services. In order to volunteer you
will need to make an appointment with and the preschool director and fill out the
Volunteer Application.
Volunteer opportunities include………
-
Assisting children with manipulating activities appropriately
-
Preparing materials for lesson plans
-
Assisting children and teachers on field trips
-
Assisting teachers with following lesson plans and
individual education goals (IEP)
The benefit of volunteers has the unique ability to help the children
with socialization skills. When the child is able to meet and interact
with persons who are not teachers, parents or therapist their world is
enhanced through new experiences and relationships.
Frequently Asked Questions (Top)
How do I know if my child has a disability?
Developmental Milestones are signs that your child’s development is on
target. The only way you and the doctor know if your child may have a
disability is if Developmental Milestones are not being achieved. Make an
appointment with your child’s pediatrician and take your documentation
with you. The only way you doctors and know if the child has a
disability is if Developmental Milestones re not being achieved. By
making an appointment you are making the doctor aware and the
documentation is showing past history. Below are some websites that
provide Developmental Milestone scales.
www.cdc.gov/actearly
www.pbs.org/wholechild/abc/
What other types of disabilities does the UCP Preschool program
serve?
The UCP Preschool program serves children with all types of
developmental disabilities. Some of those disabilities are cerebral
palsy, autism, downs syndrome, mental retardation, learning
disabilities, spin bifida, ADD/ADHD, vision and hearing impairments,
feeding disabilities and speech disabilities. For questions regarding
your child’s disability and the UCP Preschool program, please contact
the Director of the Preschool.
What is Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral Palsy
(CP) is a broad term which is used for many disorders which affect movement,
posture, and balance. It is caused by damage to the brain before,
during, or after birth. The damage affects the brain’s ability to
control the muscles, often causing too much muscle tone, too little
muscle tone, or fluctuating muscle tone. Muscle tone refers to the
amount of tension or resistance to movement in a muscle. Muscle tone
allows us to maintain posture and to move our muscles smoothly.
What are the affects of Cerebral Palsy?
Cerebral Palsy is characterized by an inability to fully control motor
function, particularly muscle control and coordination. One or more of
the following may occur: muscle tightness or spasm; involuntary
movement; impairment of sight, hearing or speech’ seizures’ and mental
retardation.
What are the causes of Cerebral Palsy?
There are a number of factors that can cause Cerebral Palsy. One
important cause is a lack of oxygen reaching the fetal or newborn brain.
Premature birth, low birth weight, RH or A-B-O blood type
incompatibility between mother and infant, infection of the mother with
German measles or virus disease in early pregnancy, and microorganisms
that attack the infant’s central nervous system also a risk factors for
Cerebral Palsy. Other causes are head injury, the most frequent cause,
motor vehicle accidents, falls, child abuse or brain infection.
What are other conditions associated with Cerebral Palsy?
Other conditions associated with CP are mental disabilities, seizures,
and vision and/or hearing problems, speech disorders, feeding disorders,
sensory impairments, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity and learning
disabilities.
How does having a family member with Cerebral Palsy impact the
family?
Family members may have deep feelings of loss. Possibly, loss of dreams
and a permanent change of lifestyle. Family members may have feelings of
anger, shame, guilt and blame. Marital stress and sibling issues may
also rise due to having a family member with Cerebral Palsy. It is
important that family members morn any feelings of loss or get
assistance if needed.
Loan Program (Top)
Specialized equipment can be costly. In order to help families with the
cost of care for their family members with disabilities UCP of North
Texas loans adaptive equipment to persons with disabilities. Equipment
is loaned out according to first come first serve basis. There are no
fees charged for equipment. UCP is not responsible for any injuries due
to the use of loaned equipment. We ask that families return equipment
once equipment is out grown, personal equipment has been received, or
equipment is no longer needed. Equipment is loaned out on a year to year
basis. If equipment is needed for a longer period of time, please
contact us.
Success Story (Top)
 When
Kiersten first started UCP Preschool, she was extremely quiet and did
not socialize with her peers or other adults. Through the combined
effort of UCP Preschool teachers, physical, occupational, and speech
therapy, Kiersten has learned that she has the ability to succeed. She
began to interact with her teachers and peers, wanting to learn and
became quite competitive.
Kiersten attended the UCP Preschool for two years. In
those years, Kiersten went from not walking to walking with a walker and
now using adaptive crutches. She is able identify numbers and colors,
and knows all the letters. She can also spell and write her name. When
she came to UCP at age four Kiersten was still in diapers, and now she
is able to use the bathroom independently with the use of hand rails.
In August of 2006 she graduated from UCP Preschool and is in UCP
Preschool Transitional Program attending a private school in Lancaster
where she is their first student with special needs. In order to meet
the needs of Kiersten and the other advanced students, the school had to
restructure their 1st grade class. The transitional program was able to
teach her school how to meet the needs of a student with disabilities.
Patience, love, individualized education and therapy can make the
difference between being a successful student or a child with no hope.
Resource Information (Top)
Variety the
Children’s Charity of North Texas
Home Community Support
CLASS
United Healthcare’s Children’s Foundation
Child
Care Group
Camp Summit
Scottish Rite Hospital
Children’s Hospital
of Dallas
Children’s
at Medical City
Chase’s Place
Autism Treatment
Center
Norte Dame
The Rise School of Dallas
Friends of 'Life Without Limits Children's Education Center'
 
Who to Contact (Top)
Shauna Claggion, Preschool Director
214-247-4538 or
|
|
