All 3-4-5 year olds with disabilities not yet in transitional kindegarten or kindergarten have access to special education services.  If you refer your child, assessment will be conducted by the school district team, which may include several professionals with your input.  The decision about whether or not your child is eligible for special education services will be made by the IEP Team, including parents, based on the assessment results.

 TO REFER YOUR CHILD FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION PRESCHOOL SERVICES, CONTACT THE SCHOOL DISTRICT YOU LIVE IN

Each local school district has access to a full range of special education programs and services, regardless of size. The Intra-District Program Chart for Preschoolers shows which district provides which services, at no cost to families.  Services are always determined by the IEP team process.  

 SERVICES:  Primary Special Education Services which may be provided to your preschooler are:
1. Individual and Small Group (ISG) Services provided in a preschool setting
2. Intensive Individualized Instruction (III), which is extra adult support for all or part of the day in a preschool setting
3. Language and Speech Services provided individually, in small groups, or as a consultation with the preschool teacher

 RELATED SERVICES: Your child's IEP Team may also decide the child needs a Related Service to assist your child in benefiting from their special education program.  Related Services may include (but are not limited to):
1. Occupational Therapy- To assist the child in accessing the activities of the preschool environment
2. Physical Therapy- To provide access and safety to the preschool program
3. Health and Nursing Services
4. Transportation
5. Vision Services (for blind/low vision)
6. Orientation and Mobility (for students with visual impairments)
7. Deaf/Hard of Hearing Services
8. Physical and Health Impairments Services

All of the above might be provided in the context of a regular preschool (such as Head Start or Community Preschool), in a special education preschool taught by a credentialed special education teacher, or in a therapy room or home/community setting.  As special education services are school-based services, the goal is always to increase the child's readiness or ability to participate and learn in school. This is different than the services provided in the Early Start Program as those services are focused on the child's functioning within the family context, and are often more therapeutic in nature.

Parent Brochure:  What is Apraxia of Speech - A Guide for Parents of 3-5 year olds