Preschool Education Program

Welcome to the Strafford Learning Center Preschool Education Program (PEP) operated for the Oyster River School District.  PEP is an integrated program providing related services such as speech/language therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy within the context of a developmentally appropriate preschool program.  Strafford Learning Center and the PEP program successfully completed the state onsite approval process this past year and has been re-approved through June 2014.  State guidelines currently hold enrollment in all special education preschool programs to 12 students at any given time.  PEP runs a morning class for 3 year old students, and two afternoon classes for 4 year old students.

In September 2009, PEP expanded to having a classroom at both Mast Way and Moharimet for the 4 year old populatoin, while continuing to house the 3 year old program at Mast Way.  Staff can be contacted by calling the Mast Way classroom at 659-1800 or the Moharimet classroom at 343-8112.

Enrollment

The primary purpose of the PEP program is to provide a special education program for those students of ages 3-5 who have been determined in need of such a program through the special education process.  In addition, some children from the communtiy are also enrolled in the program for a fee.  If you are interested in more information about the enrollment process, please contact Laurie Grant, Program Coordinator at 692-4411, ext. 14.

Curriculum

The PEP program utilizes the Creative Curriculum for Preschool (Trister, Dodge, D. et. al. 2002) as a foundation for curriculum decisions.  The Creative Curriculum is a research based curriculum decisions.  The Creative Curriculum is a research based curriculum which integrates all areas of development into center based learning experiences.  The Creative Curriculum is used across the country in both regular education and special education programs.

In addition to the Creative Curriculum, elements of other curriculums such as Everyday Math® and Handwriting without Tears® are also utilized at the preschool level.

Meet the Staff

Laurie Grant, M.Ed.

As part of her job, Laurie directs the preschool program.  Previously, she worked in a few different community preschool programs with infants, toddlers and preschool students for over 10 years.  She holds an M.Ed. in Early Childhood Education with current NH Certification in general and special education.  Laurie lives locally with her husband and two boys.

Karen Schidlovsky, BSEd, BCABA

Karen has a Bachelor's degree in special education from Keene State College and is a Board Certified Associate Behavior Analyst.  She has been with the PEP program for 9 years and has worked with children with autism for 16 years in a variety of roles; as an educator, case manager, consultant, behavior specialist, and provider of home/family support. Karen enjoys being a part of the PEP program staff.  She finds it to be a unique team of very creative, experienced and dedicated individuals who support one another and learn from one another on a daily basis in providing a nurturing and positive learning environment.

Karen is married and has 3 teenage boys.  She loves the outdoors and spending time walking, and gardening, skating and skiing.

Lisa Carter

Lisa began her career in special education working in early intervention in San Diego, CA with children birth to three that included an intensive autism training program.  As time progressed, she continued her education and received her credential and Master's in Special Education.  Lisa moved from early intervention and began teaching at the elementary level and worked with grades K-4th grade.  She moved back to NH six years ago and began working in the PEP program.  Lisa really enjoys working with this age group and watching how quicklu the children grow and change during their time in the PEP program.

Lisa lives in Dover with her husband and three year-old daughter who keeps them very busy!

Deb Guarino, OTR/L

Deb Guarino is a graduate of the University of NH Occupational Therapy program.  She has been part of the PEP Program for 12 years, and really enjoys this age group.  She feels like preschoolers are such a joy to work with because they grow and change so rapidly.  She loves being in the classroom as an OT on such a regularly scheduled basis not only to share her expertise as an OT, but to gain knowledge from the other staff.  Deb is married and has two children, and enjoys being outdoors doing active things with her family.

Lindsay Hernandze, Paraprofessional

Lindsay recently graduated from Keene State College, with a Bachelors Degree in Developmental Psychology. She is one of the newest members of the PEP program, working as a Paraprofessional in the Moharimet classroom. Lindsay plans to continue her education in Behavior Analysis work in Graduate school next fall. She is excited to be working with PEP's positive group of professionals and is eager to learn more as the year continues.

Carol Fournier, Paraprofessional