Developed by Laurel Hudson and Deborah Gleason, this document lists questions to ask when trying to evaluate the quality of a preschool program serving children who are blind or visually impaired. Areas to consider include:
- Interactions Between Staff and Children, and Among Children
- Curriculum
- Scheduling and Grouping
- Assessment
- Physical Environment
- Family Involvement
- Staff Qualifications and Staff Development
- Teachers and Administration Working Together
- Transition into and at the end of preschool
- Program Evaluation
In addition, the document outlines "The Four Big Ideas" that are the most important to keep in mind when designing a preschool program:
1. It is very important for children to have opportunities to touch and use real objects and to be involved in meaningful experiences/ whole activities.
2. Children should be encouraged to be as independent as possible.
3. Children are part of a family and a community.
4. Children need consistency of people and events in their daily preschool programs.
