Early childhood special education (ECSE) services are specialized services, most commonly provided in the preschool setting, for children age three to kindergarten. These services include interventions which are based around the child’s daily routines and are determined by the child’s needs and interests. The interventions are designed to enable the young child to participate more actively, independently and successfully in a variety of settings. Intervention specialists work with children, their families and their teachers to promote the child’s development in the areas of cognition, communication, social, motor and self-help skills.
•Families can access specialists including:
•Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
• Speech Therapist
•Occupational Therapist
•Physical Therapist
•Deaf and Hard of Hearing Teacher
•Audiologist
•Teacher of the Visually Impaired
•Physical Impairment Teacher
•School Psychologist
Accessing Early Childhood Special Education Services
The Evaluation:
When a child is referred for an evaluation, a team of intervention specialists works with the parents to develop an evaluation plan. The information from the evaluation is used to determine if the child qualifies for early childhood special education services.
- If the child qualifies, the team, including the parents will work together to develop an Individualized Education Plan (IEP).
- This plan is based on the child’s needs and interests and is developed around the child’s daily routines in their natural environment.
Intervention:
Early childhood special education services are most commonly provided in a regular preschool setting, though others settings are possible based in the individual needs of the child.
- The team, including the parents and teacher, work together to develop goals and objectives for the child based on their needs identified in the evaluation process.
- Various intervention specialists will work directly or indirectly with the child, depending on the needs identified during the evaluation process.
- Most interventions are provided in the classroom setting during the child’s normal routines.
Role of the Intervention Specialists
- Listen to parent and teacher concerns
- Observe the child’s skills
- Problem solve and brain storm with families and teachers to develop strategies that can be incorporated into the child’s everyday routines
- Model and/or demonstrate strategies to maximize the child’s potential
- Work directly with the child on their goals and objectives
- Offer other resources and suggestions to address the child’s needs
- Communicate progress or changes in the child’s performance to the child’s family and teachers
Role of the Caregiver and Teacher
- Ask questions
- Identify learning opportunities within your daily routines
- Practice skills during the preschool day and at home
- Share successes and frustrations
- Openly communicate with the intervention specialists
Frequently Asked Questions
How often are services provided? This is a decision made by the team, including the parents and teachers. It varies depending on the needs of the child.
Where are services provided? Early childhood special education services for children age three to kindergarten are most commonly provided in the preschool setting. Locations may vary depending on the specific needs of the child.
How long will my child need services? The length of time which services are provided varies depending on the type of needs and severity of the needs of the child. Students receiving early childhood special education services are reevaluated every three years to determine their current level of performance, as well as their current needs. As long as a child continues to show an educational need for services the district will continue to offer services.
How can we access services? Anyone can refer a child to testing by calling Help me Grow at 1-866-693-4769. If the testing indicates the child is eligible, services will be initiated.
Our ECSE Specialists
Lisa Maschino: ECSE Teacher
Kelli Sawyer: Speech/Language
Pathologist
Ginny Garlock: PhysicalTherapist
Pam Reinhardt: Occupational Therapist
We also have access to:
-Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
-Vision Impairment Teacher
-Audiologist
-Physical Impairment Teacher
-School Psychologist
Lindsay Woodard: Early Intervention Coordinator
952-467-7359
Melanie Kray- Director of Special Education
952-467-7174
Central Public Schools
Early Childhood Special Education
“Supporting and Empowering Families”
Lindsay Woodard: Early Intervention Coordinator
952-467-7359