Building Blocks Laboratory Preschool

What is the Building Blocks Laboratory Preschool?

The Building Blocks Laboratory Preschool name and logo symbolize the foundation blocks upon which a healthy child develops-blocks labeled trust, security, safety, consistency, positive self-esteem, food, shelter, clothing, etc.

The children who come to the preschool have had this foundation shaken, or perhaps some of the blocks are even missing as a result of their life circumstances.

The goal of Building Blocks Laboratory Preschool is to strengthen this foundation. This cannot be done in isolation, but has the best chance of making a difference in the lives of children as staff work together with families and other community services.

Who is the preschool for?

Children between the ages of 3-6.
The children in our preschool may be struggling in their homes, at other preschools or daycare centers or kindergarten classrooms. They may have been victims of abuse (physical, sexual, emotional, or neglect). They may have emotional, social, and behavioral problems, as well as developmental delays.
Most live with their biological parent(s). Some live in foster homes or relative placement.

Who are the staff?

The director of the program is Nancy Campagnoli. Nancy has been with CAPS for 15 years.
There are three classroom teachers with a combined 54 years in early education and experience with troubled children.
The preschool has several volunteers who work in the classroom with the children (all volunteers and staff at CAPS must undergo a criminal history check).

How do children become part of the preschool?

A Judge may order that a child be enrolled in the preschool. Court orders take first priority.
We also receive referrals from mental health providers, Women’s Shelter, Elementary Schools, Department of Child Services, private therapists, physicians, daycare centers, preschools, county health nurses, and other community agencies, as well as self referrals.

What makes it a Laboratory Preschool?

Building Blocks Laboratory Preschool provides a training ground for college interns and area day care providers and teachers to observe techniques used in the classroom when dealing with the challenging behavior of children. The program helps professionals to recognize the emotional needs of the children in their care and helps them to become a healing environment. Staff observe how to prepare children to learn by dealing with the issues that interfere with learning.

What is the program like?

The preschool is in session Monday through Thursday from 9:00-12:30, all year around.
Transportation is provided for children living within a defined radius of the program.
Breakfast and lunch are provided at the preschool.
The social and emotional development of the children is the main focus of the program.
Daily activities provide opportunities for children to develop readiness skills to prepare them for kindergarten.
On a regular basis a very special volunteer teaches children dance, creative movement and role play. This is an exciting time for everyone in the preschool.

Pictures from the Preschool

Click to view a photo gallery of our preschool

What are the goals of the program?

To provide a safe, secure, loving environment.
To acknowledge all feelings and how to channel them into appropriate behaviors.
To provide a consistent structure and routine, yet one which allows children to make choices and experience consequences as a result of them.
To help children learn impulse control and anger management through the knowledge of conflict resolution skills.
To provide curriculum to address special needs - Talk About Touching, and Second-Step Violence Prevention Program.
To help correct developmental delays (emotional, social, physical, and cognitive).
To provide children with a variety of experiences which offer opportunities for success.
To work closely with families to provide the link between the program and the home.
To offer guidance and support to strengthen the family unit.

What does it cost to have a child at the Preschool?

There is no cost to families, but parents must agree to participate in weekly home visits, classroom observations and complete parenting classes.

The USDA and the State of Indiana are equal opportunity providers and employers.

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