Developmental Assistance Program (DAP)

About the DAP Program

The DAP Program is a preschool program for children ages 3-5-years-old. The program is designed to meet the needs students who have been identified as having a disability. The program offers a developmentally-appropriate curriculum within a special education classroom setting.

The DAP Program provides a comprehensive curriculum using The Creative Curriculum for Preschool, which is aligned to Ohio’s Early Learning and Development Standards.

The Creative Curriculum for Preschool is a comprehensive, research-based curriculum that features exploration and discovery as a way of learning. Teachers create a high-quality learning environment and students learn through studies, which are hands-on, project-based investigations. The Creative Curriculum for Preschool helps teachers build children’s confidence, creativity, and critical thinking skills while promoting positive outcomes.

In addition, students have the opportunity to participate in activities such as music, dramatic play, fine motor, gross motor, and speech and language activities.

Research shows that children learn through play and also from their peers. Each DAP class is set up to be a 50/50 model in which 50% of the student enrollment are peer role models. Therefore, the DAP Program invites preschool-aged children from the City of Fairview Park and surrounding suburbs who are interested in being a “peer role model” to register for our annual screening. A monthly fee is required for our peer role models.

Parents/guardians who are interested in having their child participate as a peer role model are welcome to contact Fairview Park City Schools Student Services Department at 440-331-5500 x 1124 to sign up for the “Peer Waiting List” to be contacted for screening. Peer screening happens in early March. If peers are still needed for the upcoming school year, another screening will be done at the beginning of the school year.

If you suspect a disability or have concerns regarding your child’s development, please contact Fairview Park City School Student Services Department at 440-331-5500 x 1124. Our Early Childhood DAP Team Members will contact you to arrange a play-based observation to determine if a disability is suspected.

The district provides services for eligible students as early as their third birthday. The intake process may begin as early as two-and-a-half-years of age.

The Fairview Park City School Early Childhood DAP Team uses the evaluation and determination procedures as outlined by Ohio Model Policies and Procedures for preschool age children. Screening for suspected preschoolers with disabilities are completed through a play-based evaluation, observations and parent interviews.

Our Staff:

Our Early Childhood DAP Team Members are made up of:

Molly Blake, Educational Aide

Valerie Buher, Intervention Specialist

Cindy Dougher, Physical Therapist

Megan Frenz, Intervention Specialist

Michelle Maeder, Intervention Specialist

Jennifer Sheridan, Speech and Language Pathologist

Chelsea Starin, Occupational Therapist

Megan Wellman, School Psychologist

Nancy Yantek, Educational Aide

Class Schedule:

We have two sessions: morning and afternoon. Our younger students (3-4 year olds) attend the morning class. Our morning class meets from 8:40 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. Monday through Thursday. Our older students (4-5 year olds) attend the afternoon session, which is from 12:00 p.m. to 2:35 p.m. Our program coincides with the District calendar for days off and holidays.