P.R.I.M.E. Time Assistive Technology

What is PRIME Time?

P.R.I.M.E. Time is the Prekindergarten Resource Instruction Mobile for Exceptional Education vehicle, seen here. This 29-foot modified motorcoach is equipped with state-of-the-art hardware, software and materials. P.R.I.M.E. Time is staffed by certified special education teachers and a speech/language pathologist trained and experienced in assistive technology.

What is Assistive Technology?

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) states that all children identified as needing exceptional education services must be considered for assistive technology (AT). The same law defines assistive technology as:

"…any item, piece of equipment or product system whether acquired commercially , modified, or customized, that is used to increase, maintain, or improve the functional capabilities of individuals with disabilities" (20 U.S.C., Chapter 33, Section 1401(25).

This includes any device used by a child (or adult) with a disability that enhances learning, independence, communication, mobility, environmental control, choice, play/recreation, hearing/vision, seating/positioning, access to computers and more. It also refers to direct services that assist in selecting and using these devices.

What Does This Mean for a Prekindergarten SPED Student?

AT devices commonly used for young learners include, but are not limited to, the following:

° Switches, switch toys and sensory toys
° Adapted toys and books
° Adapted tools for: writing, eating, painting, etc.
° Adaptive positioning equipment
° Augmentative communication devices like picture symbols, picture schedules, eye gaze -Boards, photographs, voice output devices
° Individual behavior charts
° Environmental control devices
° Amplification devices like microphones, speakers, headphones, hearing aids, FM systems
° Computer adaptations like touch screen, switch interface, adapted keyboard, trackball among others
° Tactile symbols and Braille

For more information on assistive technology devices and strategies, be sure to visit The Adaptation Station.

What Needs To Be Considered by the Child's Family and School Team?

The first and most important question to answer is "What do we want this student to be able to do that he/she is not able to do because of his/her disability?" Other things to consider include:

What has been tried to meet this need? Is it working? Why or why not?

What devices or strategies can be utilized to meet this need?

How can these devices/strategies be integrated into the classroom curriculum?

What training and/or follow up will be required?

Who and What Is Involved?

AT is often used with prekindergarten students with disabilities as an integrated part of the classroom. Any adult may decide that AT specifically targeted for a particular student is needed - IEP team members, teachers, parents, therapists, paraprofessionals, district staff, etc. This school based team may use the Pre-K SPED Assistive Technology Implementation Plan to design a plan for the use of AT devices and strategies with the student. For technical assistance in implementation or for further assessment, any member of the school based team may call the Pre-K SPED Tech Team at 305-271-5701: attention Sheila Miguel, Tina McAplin or Laura Cawley.

The P.R.I.M.E. Time Mission

The mission of P.R.I.M.E. Time is to support prekindergarten exceptional student education (ESE) staff in Miami-Dade County Public Schools in their endeavors to provide low to high assistive technology (AT) solutions to young children with disabilities.

Services Include:

° guidance regarding the Assistive Technology Implementation Plan (ATIP)
° AT screenings, assessments and follow up
° classroom technical assistance
° classroom engineering
° school resource visits
° AT training
° AT awareness demonstrations
and MORE!

AT Resources

"What is Assistive Technology?" brochure for parents in English and Spanish

Pre-K Guide for Considering Assistive Technology

Pre-K Assistive Technology Implementation Plan (ATIP)
- sample 1
- sample 2
- sample 3

Procedures for Assistive Technology in Pre-K

P.R.I.M.E. Time Fact Sheet - (Printable document that includes general information about the P.R.I.M.E. Time program as well as detailed information about assistive technology devices, software and materials.)