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Early Childhood Special Education Programs and Services
Charlevoix-Emmet Intermediate School District provides early childhood special education services for children birth to age five. We are committed to ensuring that infants, toddlers and preschoolers with disabilities are afforded opportunities that will nurture their social and emotional health and early learning needs in high quality environments. Services and programs for children birth to age three are developed through an Individualized Family Service Planning process. Services and programs for children three to five are developed through an Individualized Education Planning process. Plans are developed in order to meet the unique needs of each child and family.
What is the focus of programs and services for children birth-3?
Services and programs for infants and toddlers up to the age of three are designed to assist families in nurturing, stimulating and guiding the developmental growth of their child. Early Childhood Special Education staff (i.e. teachers, speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, etc.) tailor services to meet the unique needs of the child and family.
Where are services delivered for children birth-3?
Services for young children up to the age of 3 are provided in the child’s natural environments, including the home and community settings where children without disabilities participate, such as local playgroups.
What is the focus of programs and services for children 3-5?
Services and programs for children ages 3-5 are designed to support and meet the child’s educational needs. Children may receive specially designed instruction from a special education teacher, or they may receive related services such as speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, etc. The goal is to work with the child to enable them to succeed in an educational environment.
Where are services delivered for children 3-5?
Services for children ages 3-5 are provided in an educational setting. Once a child nears the age of 3 years, transition into this setting is planned and implemented. Options include:
- General Education Preschool Classroom (e.g. Head Start, Great Start Readiness Program, private preschool)
- Early Childhood Special Education Preschool Classroom
- Office/therapy room located in the local elementary school building
The Early Childhood Special Education staff will work with you to determine the most appropriate setting for delivering services to your child.