IBM Grant Provides Computers to Special Education Preschool Classrooms
November 2, 2011 - Ten pre-school special education classrooms in Wake County received IBM Kidsmart computers thanks to a $25,999 grant to the WCPSS Office of Preschool Special Education Services. The Young Explorer computer housed in Little Tikes furniture and equipped with educational software to help children explore math, science and language concepts. |
The computers designed for young children serve pre-school students ages 3 to 5.
IBM’s KidSmart program includes the Young Explorer, a computer housed in brightly colored, kid-friendly Little Tikes furniture and equipped with educational software to help children learn and explore concepts in math, science and language.
“These computers are made for children to sit and work together on fun animated lessons where they will learn to work together and share,” said Assistant Superintendent Lisa Grillo. “The computers will help children as they begin to learn about math, science and language.”
The KidSmart units are housed in 10 of the county's schools that serve half-day preschool special education students. The schools are Ballentine, Briarcliff, Heritage, Jeffreys Grove, Lockhart, Pleasant Union, River Bend, Wakefield, West Lake and Zebulon. Over 200 children will have daily use of the units.
One teacher uses the computer to develop her students’ communication, organization, and planning skills. She has the children request a turn at the computer and discuss with her what they plan to do once there. Another teacher said the developmentally appropriate programs installed on the computer are fun and challenging. Programs with names such as Bailey’s Bookhouse, Letter Machine, Making a Friend, and Sammy’s Science House can help develop higher level thinking in several areas of the curriculum: math, science, and language.
The school system serves more than 1,300 preschool special education students in a variety of community settings and in our elementary school classrooms. There are 68 full-day or half-day classrooms located across the county. Four of those classrooms are in a collaborative center the school system and Shaw University operate on the university campus.
Instruction for all students focuses on each child's Individualized Education Program and on three functional areas: social-emotional development, early learning, and adaptive skills.
You can find more about the IBM KidSmart Young Explorer computer here.
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