Developmental Assistance Program (DAP)
About the DAP Program
The DAP Program is a preschool program for children ages 3-5-years-old. The program is designed to meet the needs of students who have been identified as having a disability. The program offers a developmentally-appropriate curriculum within a special education classroom setting.
The DAP Program provides a comprehensive curriculum using The Creative Curriculum for Preschool, which is aligned to Ohio’s Early Learning and Development Standards.
The Creative Curriculum for Preschool is a comprehensive, research-based curriculum that features exploration and discovery as a way of learning. Teachers create a high-quality learning environment and students learn through studies, which are hands-on, project-based investigations. The Creative Curriculum for Preschool helps teachers build children’s confidence, creativity, and critical thinking skills while promoting positive outcomes.
In addition, students have the opportunity to participate in activities such as music, dramatic play, fine motor, gross motor, and speech and language activities.
Research shows that children learn through play and also from their peers. Therefore, the DAP Program invites preschool-aged children from the City of Fairview Park and surrounding suburbs who are interested in being a “peer role model” to register for our annual screening. A monthly fee is required for our peer role models.
Parents/guardians who are interested in having their child participate as a peer role model are welcome to contact Fairview Park City Schools Student Services Department at 440-331-5500 x 1124 to sign up for the “Peer Waiting List” to be contacted for screening. Peer screening happens in early March. If peers are still needed for the upcoming school year, another screening will be done at the beginning of the school year.
If you suspect a disability or have concerns regarding your child’s development, please contact Fairview Park City School Student Services Department at 440-331-5500 x 1124. Our Early Childhood DAP Team Members will contact you to arrange a play-based observation to determine if a disability is suspected.
The district provides services for eligible students as early as their third birthday. The intake process may begin as early as two-and-a-half years of age.
The Fairview Park City School Early Childhood DAP Team uses the evaluation and determination procedures as outlined by Ohio Model Policies and Procedures for preschool-age children. Screening for suspected preschoolers with disabilities is completed through a play-based evaluation, observations, and parent interviews.