Services available through Heartland Learning Center:

Audiology — The Olathe School District provides educational audiology services to help ensure student access to a high-quality education. Services include hearing screenings, audiological evaluations, assistive listening devices for the classroom, parent/student/staff consultations, and assessment of classroom listening environments. For information, or to make an appointment, contact audiologist Katie Miller at (913) 780-7415.

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Early Childhood Program — The district offers a continuum of early childhood disability programs ranging in intensity from least- to most-restrictive. These include:
Community Based Intervention — Early childhood specialists are available to support children who are enrolled in some community preschools and are eligible for, and in need of, special education services. The service may be consultation with the preschool teacher, direct service for the child, or a combination of the two.
  ECD 2 — This is an opportunity for preschool-age children with special needs to participate in developmentally appropriate educational activities two days per week under the direction of early  childhood special eduators. The program targets children with language delays. These needs are met thru individual education plans (IEPs). For further information on this class go to the following http://teachers.olatheschools.com/~klibokmetowdsc/

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Center-based Early Childhood Disability Preschools — These programs are designed to meet the needs of preschoolers who are demonstrating significant delays, typically in more than one developmental area. Students have the opportunity to interact with typically developing children referred to as peer models. If the student needs one or more related service (speech, occupational therapy, etc.) those services will be provided while the student is in the preschool program.
     For more information about the early childhood disability programs, contact Carol Affholder, early childhood coordinator, at (913) 780-7015.

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JumpStart — Four-year-olds at risk for academic challenges may be able to get a jump start on kindergarten by attending this program, offered by the Olathe School District with support from a Kansas State Department of Education grant. Rolling Ridge Elementary School, 1500 W. Elm Terrace, Olathe, Kansas, hosts JumpStart participants three hours a day, Monday through Friday, following the district's calendar.
     Children for whom English is a second language or who may otherwise be at risk for academic challenges will learn through activities and experiences in all areas of development. Using hands-on activities in an enriched language environment, the 4-year-olds are part of a positive partnership between school and home.
     Transportation is available on a limited basis. Parents pay the pre-kindergarten enrollment fee. Call 780-7410 for an application.

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Kids Count Screenings — The Olathe School District offers a screening process for children birth to five years of age. The screening is the basis for further evaluations to determine eligibility and need for special services. . Parents can complete an online application for the screening kit or call Heartland at (913) 780-7410 or Harmony Early Childhood Centers at (913) 780-7015. This is also a prerequisite for submitting a peer model application

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Peer Model Opportunities — Typically developing children are integrated into the Center-based Early Childhood Disability preschools as role models for the children with special needs.
     Peer models must be able to play cooperatively, comply with adult requests, communicate effectively, participate in group activities, share and take turns, and be independent in toileting and self-care skills. Peer model applicants must be three years old on or before May 1 (of the upcoming school year) and must reside in the Olathe School District.
     The Kids Count early childhood screening kit is a part of the application process. Peer model vacancies are filled through a lottery process with names being drawn from a pool based on neighborhood attendance areas. There is a maximum of six peer models (three boys and three girls) in each center-based class. The first drawing will be held at the beginning of March.

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