Our Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) program provides supports and services to infants, toddlers, and preschool children with disabilities and their families. Children with delays in the area of cognitive, communication, physical, social or emotional, or adaptive development are determined eligible through a special education evaluation process. Once eligibility is determined, parents and staff work together to develop an education plan based on the strengths and needs of the child. This plan may include supports and services provided by one or more of the following:
Audiologist
Developmental Adaptive Physical Education
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
Occupational Therapist
Physical Therapist
Psychologist
Public Health Nurse
Speech/Language Therapist
Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
Teacher of the Visually Impaired
Social Worker
The ECSE staff supports children and their families by:
Helping children do the best they can through individualized program plans (IFSP and IEP) geared to promote development and based on each child's assessed level of function and need.
Supporting and educating families to support their child's development during everyday activities.
Providing parents with connections to community services and programs.
Children may be referred by parents, doctors, daycare providers or public health staff. To make a referral, click on our "Help Me Grow" link below or call 763.682.8715. Screening, evaluation and services are free to students who meet eligibility criteria.
Once a referral is made, a member of the early intervention team will contact the family to arrange a time to further explain the process and if needed, begin assessment procedures to determine if your child would be eligible for services. If you child has already been identified as eligible for special education services, you can click on the "enroll now" link below or call the special education office.
