Lifesteps preschool students join a staff member in celebrating the 100th Day of School with special hats. Lifesteps Early Education Centers provide early learning opportunities for children with and without special needs.

Preschool in the U.S. didn't make a big splash until the 1960s, when Head Start became the first publicly funded early childhood development program.

Now, preschool is perhaps the most important step in a child's education, and especially important when it comes to preparing students with developmental disabilities.

“Preschool is when you start to see some of the developmental delays being evident,” said Megan Shane, outreach manager for Parents in Toto.

Parents in Toto, an autism resource center in Zelienople, doesn't have formal classes specific to preschool preparation.That doesn't mean Toto can't help, according to Shane. In fact, it means Toto is available for a very personalized approach to helping.“We are able to have conversations with individual families,” Shane said. “We are (then) able to really address family concerns.”While many outreach organizations often focus on clinical intervention, Shane said Toto's approach is to educate and work with families as a unit.Sometimes, this means siblings are involved with helping prepare a child for school. Transitioning into school is often a family affair.

Preparing children for preschool in a typical year can be tough. The pandemic has brought a new set of concerns, even though it hasn't changed the importance of early learning.“Staff continue to find creative ways to educate and support children and families during these critical early learning years,” said Stacy Slater, Lifesteps vice president of early education.Lifesteps Early Education Center in Butler Township provides early learning services for children with and without special needs.COVID-19 concerns have affected preschools in every way, from normal drop-off/pick-up routes to disinfecting procedures.A preschool's COVID-19 readiness is now a deciding factor in where families send their children.“When looking into preschool options, ask about the preschool's COVID-19 Health and Safety Plan,” Slater said.

Shane said many preschool programs have support services already in place, but parents don't always know about them.Shane said it's important for families to remember every case of autism or other developmental disorder is distinctive. This means school preparation is specific to each child.“Have open communication with your preschool staff,” Shane said. “Preschool teachers will identify the need for additional evaluation.”Ultimately, preschool helps children prepare for kindergarten. That's another major transition.Lifesteps often works directly with school districts in Butler County when it comes to kindergarten readiness, according to Slater.“Lifesteps participates in school district transition meetings,” Slater said, “as well as early care and education collaboration meetings and trainings related to curriculum utilized in school districts.”

There are a number of pointers Slater offers families when it comes to easing into preschool. She said talking is key.“Talk about it,” Slater said. “Explain to your child what preschool will be like.”After talking to their children, Slater encourages families to listen. Parents and guardians can help to diffuse a child's concerns or fears by sharing stories about their own experiences.Families can also act out possible preschool scenarios, like preparing to go outside or getting ready for lunch.Preschool preparation can be a learning experience for children and adults alike, according to Slater.“Read about it,” Slater suggested. “There are many developmentally appropriate books that explore what preschool will be like for your child.”For additional preparation, Slater suggests families schedule facility tours and establish school day routines.

Preparing kids for school — and subsequently life — is a team effort. It involves families, teachers and children themselves.Slater said Lifesteps specifically trains teachers to that end through regular professional development days to meet the needs of each teacher and child enrolled in respective classrooms, Slater said.Shane said Parents in Toto is always willing to educate communities on autism.She said parents learn the most from real-life experience.“Their best resources are the people who've been there,” Shane said.