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Preschool Information

Preschool Special Education is a service designed for children ages 3-5 who exhibit a Significant Developmental Delay (SDD) in at least one of five developmental areas. The five areas are: communication, cognition, social/emotional development, physical delays, and adaptive development.


Placement options may include: home and community programs, private early care, prekindergarten programs, and Head Start. Eligibility for these programs is determined through a formal evaluation which includes parent interview, observation, standardized evaluation instruments, eligibility determination, and an Individualized Education Plan.

After the comprehensive evaluation is completed, the Eligibility or Individual Education Program (IEP) team meets to review all of the information about the child in order to determine eligibility.

What’s the Purpose and Goal of Preschool Special Education?                    

The purpose and goal for Preschool special education services: As designated by IDEA was to provide early intervention services in an attempt to have less children receive Special Education services at compulsory age and/or to require less services later.  It is not to provide a preschool experience…that continues to be a parent responsibility.  Services are driven by data…school districts are not under any requirement to have students attend a full day program, though must offer what a student’s IEP dictates.  All services are driven by the IEP. 

For more information contact Megan Teague at 706-754-2442 (Ext. 127) or email: [email protected]

PREP'S services include:
· Preschool Special Education
· Speech and Language
· Physical Therapy
· Occupational Therapy
· Support Services for parents and all care providers


Special Education Services are:
· Home-Based
· Community-Based
· Center-Based

Special Education teachers provide specialized instruction, will address IEP goals and collect data, and provide access to the Georgia Early Learning Standards (GELDS) through the classroom routine.


PREP is funded by federal and state preschool special education grants, as well as receiving funds from the Habersham County School System.


The Habersham County School system believes that early intervention is essential in meeting the needs of the children in Habersham County .

 

GaDOE Rule:

Young Children, Ages 3-5 The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA) 2004 mandates that special education services and supports be provided through the public schools for young children with disabilities beginning at age 3.

 

IDEA requires that the local school district locate, identify, and provide services and supports to young children with suspected disabilities or developmental delays. These delays may occur in the areas of self-help/adaptive behavior, cognitive development, communication, physical development, and/or social-emotional development.

 

Referrals from Babies Can’t Wait (BCW)

 Babies Can’t Wait coordinates and facilitates the referral process to the local school district through a transition conference. A parent or guardian must consent to allow BCW to contact the local district. Children being referred from BCW are children with disabilities who

  •  are approaching the age of three; 

  • are transitioning from BCW;

  •  have an Individualized Family Service Program (IFSP); 

  • are identified as being potentially eligible for preschool special education service.

  

What is the purpose and when can I expect my child’s Transition Conference?

  • The transition conference will be held as early as nine months but no later than 90 days prior to the child’s 3rd birthday.

  • The parent/guardian, BCW coordinator, local school district representative, and other persons as appropriate attend the conference and serve as the transition team. 

  • The transition team reviews the IFSP and other documents that pertain to the child’s disability. 

  • The local school district representative obtains the parental/guardian written consent to conduct a comprehensive evaluation. 

  • The local school district conducts a comprehensive evaluation. 

  • The parent/guardian, BCW coordinator, regular early childhood provider (as appropriate), special education early childhood provider, and local school district representative participate in the eligibility determination and IEP development.  The local school district implements the IEP on or before the child’s 3rd birthday