ECSE Programs
ECSE Programs |
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Programs
Note: The following descriptions apply to the programs in place during the 2008-2009 school year. Each spring programs are designed for the following school year based on the needs of the children receiving Early Childhood Special Education services. Thus, specific classroom designs for particular age groups may change from year to year.
Birth to Age Three
Early intervention services are available for young children ages birth
through age 2 years 11 months who meet criteria established by the Minnesota
State Department of Education. A service coordinator facilitates service
delivery as written in the Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP), developed
by parents and service providers.
Services are based on each child’s individual needs and may include assessment and evaluation, early childhood special education, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech/language pathology services, vision and hearing services, assistive technology, autism consultation, parent education, Hennepin County social services, and public health nursing through Bloomington Public Health.
Services and support are typically provided in the home, but can also involve other natural environments such as childcare and Early Childhood Family Education settings.
In addition to home based service, a classroom opportunity may also be available to facilitate the transition between home based and center based services in the months prior to the child’s third birthday. This classroom typically meets one to two times per week for two hour sessions and is offered as a supplement to home-based services.
Three to Kindergarten
Early
Childhood Special Education services are available for children from
age three to kindergarten entrance who meet criteria established by the
Minnesota State Department of Education. Services follow an Individual
Education Plan (IEP) developed by parents and service providers.
Services are based on each child’s individual needs and may include assessment and evaluation, early childhood special education, early childhood family education, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech/language pathology services, vision and hearing services, assistive technology, autism consultation, parent education, Hennepin County social services, and health services by licensed school nurses.
Service options for the Three to Kindergarten age range may include:
- “Hand-in-Hand” classes: Children in these programs participate in an integrated class, team-taught by teachers from Early Childhood Special Education and Early Childhood Family Education (Edina Family Center). The integrated classes meet two or three half-days per week and a special education-only class meets one or two half-days per week.
- “Explorers” Classrooms: These classes take place three to four half-days per week. Integration opportunities are scheduled with Early Childhood Family Education classes.
- “Transition” Classrooms: These classes meet one to two days per week for two hour sessions and are typically attended by children who are turning three during that school year.
- Speech Buddies: These classes are for children receiving speech/language services only. Classes take place two mornings or afternoons per week.
- Other services: An ECSE teacher, speech/language pathologist or other ECSE specialist may provide individualized or consultative services according to student needs.
More information about services through Edina’s Early Childhood Special Education Program can be found in the 2008-2009 ECSE Parent Handbook