VIPS Fulltime Preschool Program
Experts estimate that more than 80 to 90% of what a young child learns
occurs visually, and that as much as 70% of what is learned in a lifetime
occurs during early childhood years! That means children with visual impairments
need specific, intensive education to enable them to learn about the world
and how it works. They need extra help now to prepare for school and the
real (sited) world of their future.
VIPS has a new classroom addition allowing greatly expanded programming. Our wonderful new facility features:
- A full preschool program for 3-5 year old children who are
blind/visually impaired.
- A special program for those who are deaf-blind.
- A state-of-the-art facility designed to meet the needs of
young children who are visually impaired.
- Classes of no more than four children to one adult.
- The Curriculum
The VIPS Preschool uses the Kentucky approved Creative Curriculum that encourages hands on exploration, independence, and social development. This is supplemented by a vision-specific, expanded curriculum for particular skills, tasks and modifications, based on each child's individual needs. In addition, music therapy services are also provided in weekly group and individual sessions to further reinforce appropriate social, behavioral, and academic skills. Teachers are trained and experienced in both early childhood education and severe vision difficulty
Our preschoolers have had one-on-one time with real dance instructors from “That’s Dancing,” teaching us tap and ballet steps once a week. The children have learned imitation skills, important motor skills, how to follow directions and many other skills that help them become more well rounded students and many have made strides regarding their confidence and independence.
We are beginning to have regular cooking classes with Rob Henry, the head chef at Sullivan’s “The Bakery,” making things like pumpkin pie, decorating ginger bread house and eventually making cookies, breads, etc. We will also have a visiting artist, Aron Conaway, from the Louisville Visual Arts Association working with us on different types of ways to incorporate art in the classroom.
- The Facility has two Distinct Areas
- Kosair Charities Kidstown
Kidstown is modeled to contain features of a real-life town square, where each child can build concepts about the world and how it works in a safe, protected, yet functioning setting.
The Goal of Kidstown is to promote independence, concept development, orientation and mobility skills, and gross motor skills.
The Kidstown environment emphasizes real life skills, having a Chase Bank, grocery, child sized working kitchen, KFC Drive Thru Restaurant, Laundromat, and Dr. Mark Lynn's (Eye Doctor) Office.
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Classroom Wing
Classrooms are equipped with Smartboards which display information enlarged from a computer screen.
The Deaf-Blind Classroom has special acoustics to block outside noise.
VIPS offers a Braille-rich environment that includes a special Braille Classroom.
The Technology Classroom offers varied keyboard adaptations, from switches to Braille, and other communications devices.
A Sensory Room features an array of sensory delights.
A wealth of Specialized Experiences and Materials Awaits Your Child.
A Place Where Your Child Can Grow.
Call Barbara Kelley at 502.498.2931 or 888.636.8477 for more information and to arrange a tour.
