School Information
8:30 - 11:00 AM
Monday through Friday
School Hours
Early Childhood Schedule will follow the District School Calendar
Teacher: Tracy Fisher
ParaProfessional: Elizebeth Vasut
Early Childhood- Pups and Paws
Pups and Paws offers children ages 3-5 with developmental delays the chance to reach their potential in the important early years of childhood, giving them a jump-start on the rest of their education.
Funded by the state of Missouri, the Pups and Paws is a no-cost program for families of eligible children who are three to five years old.
There is also a limited number of spaces within the Pups and Paws classroom for typically developing children to serve as Integrated Peers (peer models). Please note that there could potentially be a waiting list for Integrated Peers.
If you are concerned about your child’s development or are interested in having your child considered for an Integrated Peer spot, please register for a screening by clicking on the button below.
PEER Model Program
Integrated Peer Models are placed in Early Childhood Special Education classrooms to assist the Special Education students with their development by acting as a role model and being a friend. Students will receive instruction in phonics, writing, and math skills while in the classroom. Parents are responsible for providing their own transportation unless your student is a student with an IEP.
There are limited Integrated Peer Model slots available for this program. The district will begin accepting enrollment forms on June 15, 2023. Enrollment forms will not be accepted electronically; they may be brought to the Central Office Mondays - Thursdays 8:00 am to 4:00 pm or mailed to the Central Office, 100 Smith Street, Gower MO 64454. Enrollment forms will be dated, time stamped and placed in order received by the district. Once slots are filled the waiting list will start. Enrollment forms may be found on the school website under Early Childhood-Pups and Paws.
The following criteria must be met in order for a child to qualify as an Integrated Peer Model.
● Must be an East Buchanan CI School District Resident
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Must be 3 years of age
● Potty trained
The following criteria must be met within thirty days of the enrollment form being submitted or signed up for the July 25, 2023 Screening Day and prior to the start of attendance in the program.
● Participate in a peer model screening (Dial 4)
● Pass speech/language screening
● Obtain an above average score on concepts and language section of the screening measure
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On July 25, 2023 there will be screenings for those who have not already had the Dial 4 completed. Appointments must be made and you may choose your top three time choices on the survey. Screening Time Slots A district staff member will be in contact with you to schedule your appointment. If that day doesn’t work for you, you may request a screening appointment for another day. Request for Early Childhood Screening
After enrollment Integrated Peer Models must:
● Demonstrate appropriate social interaction and behavior
● Miss no more than 8 times per semester or be dismissed from the program
For any questions please contact Heidi Shoemaker at 816.424.6466 or shoemaker@ebs.k12.mo.us.
Screenings
Screenings are for children who are ages three and four and who will not enter kindergarten in the fall 2023. A kindergarten screening will be conducted as part of the enrollment process in the spring of the child’s pre-K year. Screenings last about one hour. Please note that developmental screenings are designed to be informational and do not guarantee admittance into the Pups and Paws classroom.
