If a child can't learn the way we teach, maybe we should teach they way they learn.
- Ignacio Estrada
Early Childhood Special Education
What is ECSE?
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Special education is instruction specifically designed to meet the educational and developmental needs of children with disabilities, or those who are experiencing developmental delays.
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Services for preschool children (ages 3 through 5) are provided free of charge through the public school system. These services are available through the law—the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
Procedural Safeguards Manual for Parents Rights for Children Ages 3-21 2013
How is a child referred?
There are several ways that children may begin receiving services. Children who are receiving early intervention services may begin special education preschool services:
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upon their transition out of early intervention, typically at age three;
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other children are first identified and found eligible between the ages of two and five, and thus, may begin receiving services as preschoolers.
One of the more common ways that very young children become identified as needing special services lies in the process of attending regular well-baby and child check-ups with a pediatrician.