LEAP Preschool

The Watson Institute LEAP Preschool (Learning Experiences: an Alternative Program for Preschoolers and Parents) offers a unique environment for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder and their typically developing peers ages 3 to 5.

LEAP Preschool is a NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) accredited program, having met the Early Learning Program standards to earn this recognition. As a NAEYC-accredited program, LEAP is proven to provide a high-quality preschool program with a safe and nurturing environment while fostering healthy development for young children.

LEAP Preschool is also a NCASES (National Commission for the Accreditation of Special Education Services) accredited program, having met the highest quality standards necessary. NCASES accreditation indicates LEAP’s commitment to providing the highest standards of education services for our students.

Inclusive Preschool Model

LEAP utilizes a naturalistic, inclusive developmental approach to teaching children with autism spectrum disorders in an early childhood environment. This approach focuses on enhancing the skills of children with autism through interaction and play with typically-developing peers.

Neurotypical students model appropriate social behaviors for their classmates with autism, helping them to improve communication skills.

The LEAP model is one of the most extensively validated intervention programs in early childhood special education history and has produced encouraging results, including significant behavioral improvement and developmental gains.

Benefits of Inclusive Preschool for Typical Children

The benefits of the inclusive preschool model for typical children are numerous at LEAP. Students who attend LEAP:

• develop empathy,
• build strong communication skills, and
• learn leadership qualities that will benefit them throughout their lives.

Prepares Students for Kindergarten

The preschool curriculum provides the foundational skills that prepare students for kindergarten, helping to smooth the transition when they make that next step in their academic journey.

Small Classroom Sizes

LEAP Preschool students benefit from small, inclusive classroom sizes of no more than twelve students per room that enable children to play with others, learn to make choices, and build pre-academic skills in a safe environment.

Highly Skilled Educators

Half-day morning and afternoon sessions at LEAP are staffed by highly skilled educators and therapists who provide hands-on support to help students achieve their academic, social, and developmental goals.

Year-Round Preschool Program

At Watson, we understand how important structure and routine are for young children, so our preschool program operates year-round with an optional summer session built into the school year calendar.

Currently Enrolling Typical Peers

Watson’s LEAP Preschool is openly enrolling typically developing peers! You can enroll your child when they turn three (3) years old through rolling admission.

Additional Resources:

LEAP Preschool Flyer

2024-2025 LEAP Parent Handbook

2024-2025 LEAP Sharpsburg School Calendar

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