Bright Beginnings class
For the second year, Cathelene Thomas Elementary has offered a Bright Beginnings class in conjunction with the Preschool Program for Children with Disabilities (PPCD). This is a collaborative preschool/inclusion program for children of Slaton ISD staff and children in PPCD.
The purpose of the Bright Beginning Program is to provide an on-site preschool for children ages 3-5 of Slaton ISD staff members while also providing preschoolers with disabilities an instructional setting to interact with typically developing peers. The Bright Beginnings Program follows the Pre-k state adopted curriculum (We Can) and is part of the Texas School Ready! Project.
The first year was a huge success. PPCD students made gains in language skills as well as pre-k readiness skills and increased their social skills. Typical peers made gains in readiness skills as well as developed compassion and understanding of peers with differing abilities.
Cathelene Thomas's Bright Beginnings/PPCD along with the ReachOut class also gets to participate in therapeutic riding classes at Refuge Services. This is a neat program that encourages the students to utilize their communication skills along with benefits in the areas of cognition, self-esteem, emotional, and other areas. For more information, you can visit their website at refugeservices.org.
