Peer Model Program

The Shawnee Mission School District’s Early Childhood Program is a unique opportunity for students with special needs to learn age-appropriate skills from their peers in a structured environment. Peers are an integral part of this program; they demonstrate skills such as following directions and using good manners during natural social interactions. We strive to provide all children enrolled in the program and their families a positive experience.

Two Pre-K students playing blocks

 

Three Pre-K students racaing balls through a maze

 

Two Pre-K students in music class

 

Please take a moment to review the requirements for early childhood peers:

  • There is NO COST to families who participate in the Early Childhood Peer Program
  • Be a Shawnee Mission School District resident or have a parent or guardian working in the district
  • Be 3 or 4 years old
  • Be toilet-trained (no more than one accident within a two-week period)
  • Demonstrate independent self-help skills
  • Initiate play with other children
  • Be able to follow directions with minimal prompting
  • Speak using a minimum of three-word phrases with age-appropriate articulation
  • Understand concepts such as big/little, on/off, wet/dry
  • Attend the program consistently
  • Not be kindergarten-eligible (age five before September 1st, 2026)
  • Currently not receiving services on an IEP or IFSP

Please contact Carla Heintz with questions 993-2601 or carlaheintz@smsd.org

Please Note:

If a student enrolled as a peer is later determined to be eligible for special education services (including itinerant speech-language services), the student is not eligible to continue enrollment as a Early Childhood Peer.

PROGRAM LOCATIONS

The Early Childhood Program is offered at the Shawnee Mission Early Childhood Education Center (6701 W 83rd St) Monday through Thursday from 8:10 – 10:55  OR  12:25 – 3:10. The Early Childhood Program is not in session on Friday or any days the Shawnee Mission School District is not in session. The School District’s calendar is available at www.smsd.org. Parents/guardians must provide transportation.

Shawnee Mission Early Childhood Special Education staff delivers services for children 3-5 years of age in 13 early childhood special education classrooms located at the Shawnee Mission Early Childhood Education Center and in 19 district elementary schools where there are early childhood programs.  Children 3 years to 5 years of age may also receive special education services in their neighborhood school, such as speech and language, occupational, or physical therapy.
 

 

If you have further questions, contact the Shawnee Mission Early Childhood Education Center at 913.993.2600.