Sewall Child Development Center

Preschool - children, ages two and one-half to five, with and without special needs, are taught in preschool classes based on an inclusive education model. Sessions are four days weekly for half a day at eight locations. Therapies are integrated into classroom activities in the most natural way possible. The "read, play and learn" curriculum provides the basis for Sewall's early intervention in preschool, and is implemented in a trans-disciplinary, play-based approach. The trans-disciplinary approach encompasses cognitive, social-emotional, sensorimotor, communication and language perspectives. Development and learning is encouraged across domains. The curriculum focuses on incorporating activities that motivate each Child, and as a result of the teachers' role as facilitator, each Child has individualized instruction. The team, including an early childhood teacher, teaching assistant, early childhood special educator, occupational or physical therapist, speech/language pathologist and mental health specialist, plan the curriculum on a weekly basis. Using familiar stories, the team provides a theme-based approach to encourage and support each Child's growth Development. The storybooks reflect family, community, and cultural diversity. Children engage in a variety of activities suited to their developmental abilities and all relating to the same concept. Repetition of these concepts across numerous and diverse situations encourages the generalization of knowledge and skills.

Childcare - Sewall's accredited childcare program offers full-day, "wraparound" care for toddlers between the ages of one-and-a-half to three, and preschoolers between the ages of two-and-a-half and five. The childcare program is a model for including children with and without special needs in classrooms at three sites. Learning is strengthened and reinforced as the Child's individual plan and class curriculum are communicated between toddler/preschool and childcare staff.

Head start disability services - Sewall provides disability services to children enrolled in head start classrooms throughout denver. Sewall's team of specialists carries out activities needed to conduct observations, screen and assess children as well as develop individual educational plans for children with disabilities in all denver head start sites. After their assessment, the team creates an appropriate plan of educational interventions for the Child.

Infant/toddler - children, from birth to age three, having identified special needs, and their parents are provided early intervention services in a variety of settings, including home and childcare. The Child's potential is developed within the context of typical daily activities. Early childhood educators consider play a Child's work. Beginning at age two, parents may enroll their Child in a transitional toddler/preschool program at Sewall for children with and without special needs.

Diagnostic and evaluation clinic - ("d & e clinic") children from birth to age 12 exhibiting potential delays receive a comprehensive evaluation by Sewall's trans-disciplinary diagnostic and evaluation team. Diagnostic information and treatment recommendations are provided to the Child's caregiver.

Family outreach - Sewall's social workers partner with parents to involve them in decisions about their children and their children's programs, and to assist them in needed resources in the community. Partners in leadership, comprised of monthly weekend advocacy sessions, is training for a cohort of twenty families during the school year.

Head start delegate program - 60 children are funded under the umbrella of denver great kids head start to receive full-day head start preschool services. Two sites have been designated as head start delegate sites: dahlia Center for health and well-being and the zone for inclusive learning (formerly z place). All children receive all educational services (as noted in preschool) as well as meals through the usda food program and support by a family service worker.

Early head start program- services are offered at 2 locations, the koelbel building and the zone for inclusive learning, providing comprehensive Child Development and family support services to 32 children, ages infant through 3 years old and their families.

Healthy food for denver kids- food equity is provided through this program with funding for meals provided to full day children at the koelbel building, the dahlia campus for health and well-being and the zone for inclusive learning as well as providing food boxes for families in need and sustainable gardening and other classroom based food curriculum activities.