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

Department of Exceptional Learning
Kristine Starkey
Early Childhood Special Education Coordinator
School Administration Building
Email Kristine Starkey
📞(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 one teacher to four 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?

Peer models are children without developmental delays or disabilities that attend the early childhood special education classroom so that children can learn together in an inclusive environment.

Research shows that inclusive environments increase and strengthen all children's learning.  

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 9/30/25.

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

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

How can my child participate in the Reverse Mainstream Program?

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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 2025-2026 school year are now being accepted!

Reverse Mainstream Program Application
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Notification

Families who successfully complete and submit the online application will be notified if their student was accepted or placed on a waitlist.  Students will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. 

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Follow-Up

If accepted, families will receive information on how to submit payment and complete the enrollment.  Space is limited, so families are encouraged to submit payment and enroll their student by June 20th, 2025.

If your student was placed on a waitlist, families will receive information about openings after June 26th, 2025.

Frequently Asked Questions