Exceptional Learning
Early Learning

Reverse Mainstream Program

What is Reverse Mainstream?

Reverse Mainstream is a preschool program that has been offered in the district for nearly three decades. The Reverse Mainstream program allows three-year-old and four-year-old non-disabled children the opportunity to participate in classrooms that are designed for children with developmental delays.

Students in the Reverse Mainstream program attend half-day school sessions (AM or PM) in a primary or elementary school for five days a week.

Contact

Office of Exceptional Learning
Kristine Starkey
Early Childhood Special Education Coordinator
Edwards Wilson Center
Email Kristine Starkey
đź“ž(757)494-7600
Fax: 757-494-7573

Benefits of the Reverse Mainstream Program

Students in the Reverse Mainstream Program are enrolled in an Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) classroom. The Reverse Mainstream Program brings peer models into the ECSE classroom as models of age-appropriate classroom and play skills. This opportunity allows ALL of the children involved to do the following.

This opportunity allows all children to:

  • Learn in a preschool classroom with staff-to-student ratios of, at most, one teacher to five students

  • Develop positive self-esteem

  • Learn acceptance of others

  • Participate, learn, and grow in a program that promotes effective educator-child interactions.

Tuition

The Reverse Mainstream Program is a tuition-based program.  A flat fee of $600 will be collected at the time of enrollment. Tuition assistance is available upon request.

A child in a Reverse Mainstream class plays outside with classmates.

What is a Peer Model?

A peer model is a child without developmental delays or disabilities. Research shows that peer modeling can be used to increase and strengthen all children’s learning.

Peer models will be a positive role model in the classroom. Students may be removed from the program if discipline becomes a concern, or if the student has been found eligible for special education services.

Additional Eligibility Requirements

  • Peer model students must reside in Chesapeake and be three* or four years-old.

    • *Peer model students must be three years-old as of 9/30/24.

    Please note: Children turning 5 years old before September 30 are not eligible for this program.  

Peer Model Readiness Skill: Independence - I don't need help washing my hands.!

How can my child participate in the Reverse Mainstream Program?

Branded Blue Graphic featuring a #1 (to identify step 1 of a process) with a clip art graphic of a computer with a checklist.

Submit the Online Application

Families interested in enrolling their child to serve as a peer model in a Reverse Mainstream classroom must complete the Reverse Mainstream Program Application. Submitting the application does not guarantee acceptance.

Applications for the 2024-2025 school year are now being accepted!

Reverse Mainstream Program Application
Branded Blue Graphic featuring a #2 (to identify step 2 of a process) with a clip art graphic of children playing with blocks..

Complete a Developmental Screening

Families who successfully complete and submit the online application will be contacted to schedule their student for a developmental screening. Appointments for developmental screenings will begin in late April 2024.

Branded Blue Graphic featuring a #3 (to identify step 3 of a process) with a clip art graphic of a phone and an envelope to represent communication.

Notification and Follow-Up

After the child has completed the developmental screening, families will be notified if the child has been accepted into the Reverse Mainstream Program.

Please note - the timing of notifications to families will vary by school and time of the year.

Frequently Asked Questions