Early Childhood Special Education as defined by federal law (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) is intended to give children with a disability a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). The disability may be a developmental delay in learning, a speech and language delay, a physical or emotional impairment, or another delay that impacts the child’s learning.

Each child who is eligible for Special Education services will have an Individualized Educational Progam (IEP). This written program is developed by an IEP team which includes parents, teachers, therapists, and administrators. The IEP will identify present levels of academic and functional performance, goals to drive specially designed instruction, programs/services including who will provide them and in what setting, and supplemental aids/services to support the child to access FAPE.

Placement Options

The most common placement option for preschool age children is in the general education preschool classroom within the child's resident school district. Research is clear that participation in programs with typically developing peers is beneficial to all children and enhances the language, social skills, and participation of all students. Children in general education preschool settings can still have an IEP. Those services are provided on site at the child's preschool program.

For children needing a more intensive program placement, another option is an Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) classroom. Each ECSE classroom is staffed by at least one certified Special Education Teacher and at least one Paraprofessional. Other professionals involved may include the Speech Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist, School Psychologist and/or School Social Worker. The level of involvement by each professional depends on a child's eligibility for that service driven by present need. These individuals work as one collaborative team.

Placement is determined by the child's IEP team.

Curriculum

The Teaching Strategies GOLD curriculum builds foundational academic skills, as well as participation in group learning experiences, fine motor skills, social/emotional development, and other skills necessary to help prepare children for school. All early childhood placements are designed to support learning in preparation for future school experiences.