The Early Childhood Special Education Program serves children three to five years of age with special education needs. These children have identified developmental delays or disabilities in one or more of the following areas: speech and language, social-emotional, motor, or intellectual. Children are referred to the program by their parents, pediatricians, or outside agencies who request screening and assessment. A case study evaluation is completed, and an individualized educational plan is developed with the parents. Services for children with disabilities are mandated at age three and are initiated as soon as possible following the assessment process. The program provides appropriate early education by attending to the needs of individual children in a secure, accepting environment.
Because parents are the most significant factor in a child's educational success, it is essential that parents and school specialists work together as a team to plan for the child's educational program. Each member of the team approaches the child's unique needs with special expertise which is integrated into the goals and objectives established for each child.
The Individualized Educational Plan (IEP) is regularly updated, and each child's program is continuously monitored for necessary revisions. In most classrooms, children are included with typically developing peers. Support services are integrated within the classrooms. The child's learning is seen as a dynamic process where the child is an active explorer and initiator. The classroom provides opportunities for interaction and group activities tailored to the individual needs of each child and designed to enhance overall development.
