School Information
PreK 4- Pups and Paws All Day Program
8:20 AM - 3:15 PM
Monday through Friday
Teacher: MaKenna McMillen
Para Professional: Whitney Maus
School Hours
School Hours
Early Childhood Special Education & Peer Model-- Pups and Paws
AM Class: 8:30-11:00 AM
PM Class: 12:30-3:00 PM
Monday through Friday
Teacher: Madison Helton
Para Professional: Sam Cline Hall
PreK 4 - Pups and Paws All Day Program
East Buchanan is thrilled to share that we have been awarded the MOQPK Grant for the 2025-2026 school year! This wonderful opportunity allows us to offer a full-day preschool program at no cost to families. The program is designed for children who will be 4 years old by July 31, 2025, and who are one year away from entering Kindergarten.
Enrollment is based on developmental screening results and children must meet age eligibility requirements to qualify. While enrollment typically occurs before the school year begins, there may be opportunities for additional students to join throughout the year. Please note that space is limited and a wait-list is anticipated.
Our preschool program focuses on building Kindergarten-readiness skills through engaging learning activities and social experiences. East Buchanan Early Childhood programs utilize the Emerging Language and Literacy Curriculum (ELLC). This play-based curriculum is rooted in the belief that:
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Play is the work of children
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Play progresses developmentally
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Play builds competence across many domains
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Play happens every day
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Thematic, integrated learning enhances experiences through play
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Play is the foundation for meaningful learning
We are excited to welcome new families and support our youngest learners on their journey to school success!
For more information, please contact Heidi Shoemaker at the East Buchanan Central Office at 816.424.6466, by email at Shoemaker@ebs.k12.mo.us.
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. Enrollment forms will not be accepted electronically; they may be brought to the Central Office Mondays- Fridays 8:00am to 4:00pm or mailed to the Central Office, 100 Smith St, 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 are located in the Section of this Page labeled "Screenings."
The following criteria must be met in order for a child to qualify as an Integrated Peer Model
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Must be an East Buchanan CI School District Resident
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Must be 3 years of age
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Potty Trained
The following criteria must be met:
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Participate in a peer model screening (Dial 4)
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Pass speech/language screening
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Obtain an average score on concepts and language section of the screening measure
After enrollment Integrate Peer Model must
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Demonstrate appropriate social interaction and behavior
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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 2025. 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.
