My name is Angela Klingfus. I am the teacher in the First Step Early Childhood Special Education Classroom, a SMEC program, within the Southland Early Childhood building located in Adams, MN. I have worked in special education since 2013 and have prior preschool experience for many years before that! 

The First Step program is a small group classroom with one teacher, one paraprofessional, and up to two specialists at one time for students typically age 3-5 years old. In the classroom we learn about classroom routines, work on self-help/independence and social skills, gross and fine motor skills, and building language and preschool concepts. We use the Handwriting Without Tears curriculum to learn how to recognize and write capital letters. We have a lot of fun with hands-on learning in the classroom! Our daily routine includes: circle time, projects, gym time, snack time, and free play. 

We strive to help students grow in a safe and nurturing environment in all areas of development: motor skills, cognitive skills, self-help skills, social skills, and communication skills. 

Resources: 

The Read Seed Inc is local and has partnered with Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library to deliver high-quality, age-appropriate books to children in Mower County. After registering, children will receive a book delivered right to their home, once a month, every month until their fifth birthday. 

https://www.thereadseed.org/home 

Autism Little Learners has many free social stories for all children and situations. 

https://autismlittlelearners.com/category/social-stories/ 

Concerns with your child’s development? Check out the Help Me Grow Minnesota and Help Me Connect websites for developmental milestones, resources, and more. 

https://helpmegrowmn.org/HMG/index.htm 

Minnesota STAR Program’s online AT lending library. You can try out a device at home, school, work or play before you buy it through the Minnesota STAR Program’s online AT lending library. 

https://mn.at4all.com