The Michigan Speech-Language-Hearing Association Proudly Presents the 2011 Public School Program of the Year Award Recipient

Comstock Inclusive Preschool, Comstock Public Schools

Successful communication and social interactions are important keys to success in school.  In order to ensure early academic and social success for students, the Comstock Public Schools initiated a program combining Speech-Language, Early Childhood and Special Education services under one roof.  This allows young "students with disabilities to participate with their non-disabled peers in an authentic early childhood environment".  This collaboration provides extended learning opportunities for the students with disabilities as well as innumerable incidental learning benefits for all students attending the preschool Great Start Readiness Program (GSRP).  One of the main goals of such collaboration is to fully prepare student to be ready for K-12 learning.

To that end, the staff has worked hard to develop a program that meets the unique needs of all students, including medical, educational and behavioral issues, within a typical preschool classroom.  As an inclusive program, it is geared to "provide a learning program that benefits all of the students who attend North Preschool".  Inclusive programming has became a viable format for many school districts in Michigan and elsewhere and the Program of the Year Committee was impressed by the uniqueness of the Comstock program.  They are recognized in that part of the state as the innovative model from which similar districts may benefit.  The Comstock team is hopeful that other districts would be able to easily replicate this approach.

This team was able to secure funding through grants and have strong administrative support.  Parents are a fundamental part of the program and a home liaison now reaches out to the families in the community.  The team generates enthusiasm and all are committed to the ongoing collaboration.  The Comstock team also indicated that there has been the most impact on Speech-Language services in the area with less splintering of services in the area schools now that is need has been met.  It has been very much a positive solution in the Comstock area schools.

The Speech-Language Pathologist honored for this program is Marsha Blasen, M.A., CCC-SLP.  Also honored are Wendy Dillworth, ECSE Teacher and Jeff Pellerito, Director of Support Services.