•  Early Childhood (Pre-K) Peer Model Information

    Thank you so much for your interest in our program at Sepulveda Elementary! Our program is FULL for the 24-25 school year. 

    25-26 SY Early Childhood (Pre-K) Peer Model Application - Closed

    The WCSD Early Childhood Special Education Peer Modeling Program is an inclusion model program that provides typically developing children an opportunity to interact with same age peers who are receiving specialized instruction in a developmentally appropriate classroom. This inclusion program provides an age-appropriate environment that offers all children a wide range of learning opportunities.

    Inclusive preschool classrooms promote friendships, understanding and acceptance of others that are different. Research also states that typically, developing children enrolled in an inclusive preschool setting develop meaningful relationships with their peers who have disabilities. Children selected to serve as Peer Models must demonstrate developmentally appropriate speech, language, social skills, and behaviors, and must be able to communicate clearly, interact well with others, model cooperative interactions and follow directions.

    Peer Model:
    Peer models help students with special needs reach their learning goals through play and social interactions. They help to model typical school behaviors, such as sharing, turn taking, and participation during class. All students in the program participate in a variety of developmentally appropriate preschool activities.

    Peer Model Criteria:

    • Children must be four by the first day of school (August 11th).
    • Children must be toilet trained.
    • Children must be able to interact well with their same-age peers and demonstrate age-appropriate skills.
    • Children must not have an active IEP or require specialized instruction.

    Program Commitment:
    The WCSD is committed to providing expanded inclusive learning environments for all students. This program is intended for students with and without disabilities to learn and grow together. Families of children accepted as Peer Models must commit to the following:

    • Child must attend the program for the school year and parents must sign a letter of agreement. Child will adhere to the WCSD Attendance Policy.
    • Parents are encouraged to participate in family engagement events in the classroom, at the school campus and through the Child and Family Services Department.
    • Parents must provide transportation to and from school.

    Selection Process:
    While there is no enrollment or registration fee, all potential Peer Models and their parent(s) must complete a preschool screening in May 2025 prior to being accepted in the program. The school screening team at the elementary school where the preschool programs are located selects the Peer Models. The school will contact you with more information regarding the screening date and time. If your child is selected for the Peer Model program, your child’s new teacher will inform you. Parents must attend a mandatory meeting with the teacher prior to the start of the school year.

    In the event that the Peer Model Program is full, an interest list will be available at your school site, and they will contact you if an enrollment spot becomes available for your child. If you are interested in having your child considered as a Peer Model, please complete the application below, and return it to Sepulveda. You may submit one application per school year.