Preschool Information

PRESCHOOL SPECIAL NEEDS PROGRAM

The Preschool Special Needs Program is a federally-mandated service. An amendment to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) makes a range of educational opportunities available to children with moderate to severe disabilities who are aged three to five years old. The program is operated by the White County School System. Children are served at one of our school sites in the county, through home-based, and/or community-based programs. Any White County child age three to five who is experiencing significant difficulties or delays in development, whether physical, mental, or emotional, can be referred for service. Areas of concern can include difficulties in developing speech and language skills, thinking skills, adaptive skills, motor skills or even social skills. A play based assessment will be conducted to determine if your child qualifies for the Preschool Special Needs Program.

With parental consent, anyone may refer a child for his program, including:

  • Parents/Guardians

  • Physicians/Healthcare Providers

  • Childcare Providers

  • Preschool Providers

  • Early Intervention Programs/Therapy Providers

WHAT IS THE COST FOR ELIGIBLE PRESCHOOL AGED STUDENTS TO PARTICIPATE?

All services provided through the Early Childhood Program are offered at no charge. Funding is provided through federal, state and local sources.

HOW ARE CHILDREN REFERRED FOR AN EVALUATION?

The Early Learning Coordinator coordinates the referrals, evaluations and initial IEP meetings for all preschool students.

Several documents are required for all referrals:

  • Proof of Age (certified copy of birth certificate or federal, state, county or school document with date of birth)

  • Social Security Card

  • Proof of Residency

  • Proof of Authorized Person to Enroll

  • Current Immunization Record (GA Health Dept. Form #3231)

  • Hearing/Vision Form current within 6 months of date of referral (GA Health Dept. Form #3300)

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER A CHILD IS REFERRED FOR THIS PROGRAM?

The parent/guardian will be interviewed by the Early Learning Coordinator to document concerns and background information, begin working on strategies to help the child and begin data collection to monitor progress.

Once all required documents are received and hearing and vision are cleared, the child will be scheduled for an evaluation. Based on the child’s individual needs, a placement meeting will determine how the child will receive services. If eligible, services will be provided in the child’s least restrictive environment. This may include preschools/childcare centers, the home or in a preschool special education classroom.

WHAT SERVICES ARE AVAILABLE?

  • Specialized Instruction

  • Speech Therapy

  • Occupational Therapy

  • Physical Therapy

  • Hearing/Vision Services

  • Transportation

 

HOW DO I KNOW THAT MY CHILD MIGHT NEED TO BE ASSESSED?

If you answer yes to more than one of these questions below, your child could benefit from an assessment.

  • Is my child's learning delayed, or does he seem to learn more slowly than other children?

  • Does my child have trouble walking or using his arms?

  • Does my child have trouble seeing?

  • Does my child not talk or talk very little?

  • Is my child difficult to understand when he speaks?

  • Does my child often not respond when you talk to him, or do I have to repeat things frequently?

  • Does my child get upset easily, cry a lot, have temper tantrums, have sleeping problems, or have other behaviors that concern me?