|
KinderFrogs
Program & History
KinderFrogs School, Tarrant County’s only early-intervention educational program for children ages 18 months to six years with Down syndrome and other developmental delays, was created in 2000 in response to a 1999 appeal from the Fort Worth community and the energy and commitment of a group of dedicated parents. Currently, no other early-intervention program for these children exist in Fort Worth or the surround areas.
KinderFrogs serves 30 children in three classrooms and each classroom employs a teacher who has a graduate degree in Special Education and two instructional teacher assistants. The student-teacher ratio is about 3:1.
The College of Education at TCU is the only teacher preparation program in the United States that operates two laboratory schools in special education: Starpoint School and KinderFrogs School.
Curriculum & Services
KinderFrogs focuses on curriculum that is evidence-based, content that is learned through investigation and focused, intentional teaching that builds on prior learning and experience. The school strives to ensure that the curriculum is thoughtfully planned, challenging, engaging, developmentally appropriate, culturally and linguistically responsive, comprehensive, and will promote positive outcomes for all young children.
Many services are provided using a collaborative/consultative service delivery model. These services include: occupational, physical, musical, and speech therapies, which are delivered through a transdisciplinary approach. The therapeutic activities are provided to the teachers and instructional aides, under each therapist’s supervision as part of the daily routine. Recommendations are provided to families for carryover into the home and other natural environments.
Schedule
The classes operate from 8:30 am to 3:00 pm, Monday through Friday. The 11-month schedule is provided in advance to allow parents time to plan alternative child care options and family vacations. Planned breaks include 5 days at Thanksgiving, 2 weeks at Christmas, 1 week in the spring and 4 weeks in the summer.
Admissions
Children are admitted to the KinderFrogs School at TCU following an initial screening and review of a comprehensive evaluation. Admission is based on the evaluation, the child’s age and availability of space in the classroom. Tuition information can be obtained by calling the school office at 817-257-6828.
Mission
The mission of the KinderFrogs School is to provide an excellent, developmentally appropriate education to preschool children with Down syndrome and other developmental delays. The faculty and staff work collaboratively with families to prepare children for successful inclusion in public and private schools. It serves as an on-campus training site for TCU students in the College of Education and other university departments. The TCU students are an active and vital part of the KinderFrogs School as observers, practice teachers, classroom aides and beginning educational researchers. TCU professors are also available to offer their expertise and knowledge.
 The School is licensed by the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services and is accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC). Currently, only 8% of early childhood education programs in the United States hold this accreditation.
KINDERFROGS SCHOOL
College of Education
Texas Christian University
TCU Box 297415
Fort Worth, Texas 76129
817.257.6828
|
