| The PEP classroom program is
located in selected schools throughout Montgomery County.
Not all components of the classroom program are at
each school. Whenever possible, PEP is located in a
school with other preschool programs such as Head Start
or PreK, so that children can engage in some learning
activities with peers who do not have disabilities.
In some cases, this interaction is with children who
attend day care centers located in the school.
For locations of the various PEP components, see Locations
Much like community preschools,
a PEP class is a two and one-half hours per day program.
Typically, a class of nine students is taught by
a special educator and a paraeducator in a curriculum
and play-based instructional program. Related service
providers and a parent educator provide services
periodically throughout the week. PEP classes sometimes
serve children with significant physical disabilities.
Assistive technology and augmentative communication
activities are integrated into the classroom program.
PEP INC serves children with
severe communication and sensory integration needs
in a structured, curriculum and play-based class
with related services integrated into the classroom.
Class sizes are smaller than a PEP Classic, and there
is a special education teacher and two paraeducators.
Classes are held five days per week for three hours.
The children served by PEP INC often are overwhelmed
by many people or are unable to focus without a very
structured environment. A major goal of PEP INC is
to prepare the children for a larger class such as
PEP Classic or another preschool program. PEP INC
classes are paired with PEP Classic in order to provide
exposure to larger classes when a child is ready
for more interaction with peers.
PEP Beginnings serves children
with significant physical and/or cognitive disabilities
in a five hour, five day per week program. As in
PEP Classic, related services are integrated into
the classroom program. Classes are smaller than PEP
Classic, serving 6-7 students, and there is a teacher
and two paraeducators. Many children who attend PEP
Beginnings have significant school health service
needs, are medically fragile, and/or require specialized
feeding, such as tube feeding. Most children also
require physical assistance to move, walk, or attend
to instruction. The classes focus on communication
and mobility; assistive technology and augmentative
communication techniques are used throughout the
day. PEP Beginnings is paired with PEP Classic and
other preschool classes to provide exposure to larger
classes when a child is ready for more interactions
with peers.
Some children with disabilities
are not able to attend school due to medical reasons.
When a physician determines a child cannot attend
school, itinerant special education staff serve the
child at home. A special educator provides case management,
consultation, and/or direct services for children.
Related services are also provided as indicated by
a child's IEP. A primary objective for the staff
who serve children at home is to prepare them for
transition to a school or community-based setting
depending on their ongoing special education needs.
Itinerant services are available
for children who do not need a comprehensive classroom
program to meet their special education needs. A
special education teacher consults with staff in
community-based day care centers and preschools and/or
provides direct services if needed. Related services
are provided at a local public school.
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Metro Park North 
