EARLY CHILDHOOD SPECIAL EDUCATION

Program Goals

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• To provide special education and related services to children with disabilities from 3-5 years of age

• To provide transition services from Early Intervention and to school district programs

• To participate in support a Local Inter-agency Coordinating Counsel and a Special Education Advisory Committee

 

Program Description

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The Dawson Early Childhood Special Education Program provides special education services for children with disabilities from 3 to 5 years of age who meet eligibility under Public Law 99-457.

Early Childhood Special Education Services are provided in a manner which meet the individual developmental/educational needs of each child, which may include screening, evaluation, speech/language therapy, direct or consulting developmental instruction, counseling, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. Special Education services are provided in the child's natural preschool environment, which may include home, Headstart Centers, private and parochial preschools, Arkansas Better Chance Programs, or in preschool classrooms located on school district campuses. Special Education services are provided through written individualized education plans that address each child's unique developmental/educational needs with the ultimate goal of bringing their skills up to an age commensurate level so that they are prepared for success upon entering their school district's kindergarten program.

The Early Childhood Special Education Coordinator participates in and supports the Local Interagency Coordinating Council and a Special Education Advisory Committee. In addition, the program provides transition services providing a seamless system of special education services from early intervention programs and into school district kindergarten programs.

Children may be referred for Early Childhood Special Education Services by calling 870-246-7928.