Preschool

Preschool is designed for three- to five-year-olds to attend either a half- or full-day program each day, depending on their needs. Students’ abilities and developmental delays can vary significantly. A range of class sizes and staff ratios is available to meet individual educational and social needs.

County Health Departments refer children from birth to two years of age, while children from three to five years old are referred to Mary Cariola by their home school district.

After two years of planning, in September 2008, Mary Cariola history was made when the Special Friends Nursery School opened at the Elmwood Campus, which welcomes typically developing children. This new class can accommodate up to 12 children.

“I just want typically developing kids to embrace people who are different and appreciate how unique people can be,” preschool teacher Dana Bennett explained. “When children with and without disabilities play together, both groups learn lessons that even the best trained instructors can’t teach.”