Since 1993, however, the use of the assessments has expanded to include an individual profile of all the results for each child. A child whose profile indicates a need, especially in the psychomotor or language development areas, is invited to attend a pre-kindergarten intersession. For some children, this is their first time in school and the program is structured to help them adjust to the routine and expectations of school. For some, this is their first time away from their parents and the normal separation anxieties are overcome before the first day of kindergarten. For others, the areas of need are great and this time allows the specialists time to observe, work with children in a risk-free environment and plan for the next levels of support when school begins.
Sessions are three and a half hours per day for a two-week time span.
The adult-pupil ratio is low there is one teacher, one specialist and one instructional aide for each class of 15 students. One class is taught by teachers and aides in the speech and language development preschool which is a part of the Lincoln program. Their experience and expertise help them provide a program that is a combination of preschool and kindergarten expectations. The other class is a partnership with Tulare County Office of Education, Migrant Division, and is taught by a teacher and aide, both primary Spanish speakers. Their curriculum also includes the development of English as a Second Language.