Preschool Special Education Services
What are Preschool Services and where are they located?
Preschool Special Education Services provided by Cedar Unified School District #25 include special instruction and related services provided to young children, ages three through five, who qualify under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (Part B, Section 619).
Through a Memorandum of Understanding with the Navajo Nation and the Hopi Tribe, Cedar Unified School District #251/2s Special Education Preschool Services ensure the provision of a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) to all eligible children at no cost to their families, and in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). LRE means that young children with disabilities should receive services in typical community-based early childhood settings and programs whenever possible, and only go to more restrictive or specialized settings when their individual needs require it.
Who is eligible?
Young children ages 3 through 5 who have a disability as defined by one of the categories listed below are eligible for preschool services provided through the Cedar Unified School District #25 program.
The categories of disability include:
- Autism
- Preschool Speech & Language Delay
- Preschool Moderate Delay
- Preschool Severe Delay
- Vision Impairment
- Hearing Impairment
How does a child become eligible?
Using Cedar Unified School District #251/2s Child Find Procedures, children can receive screening services to identify any areas of concern for further assessment by a multidisciplinary team. Following completion of assessments, the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) Team, of which parents are participating members, meets to review and discuss findings in order to make a determination of eligibility under one of the established disability categories.
What happens next?
Once a child is determined to have a disability the IEP Team works together to develop the IEP. An IEP is a written document identifying the special education and related services necessary to support the child's development and educational program. The IEP allows everyone with a role in teaching and nurturing the child to understand what the child will need to grow and prosper, and the role they can play as a member of the child's IEP Team.
Services identified on an IEP might include cognitive instruction, speech and language therapy, physical and occupational therapy, assistive technology devices and services, and other related services identified by the IEP Team.
Where can services be provided?
After the IEP has been developed, the next step is to identify the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), in which the child's needs can be met. LRE settings for preschool children can include a preschool special education class, a regular preschool class, Head Start, a private preschool, child care center or other appropriate settings within the community.
What are procedural safeguards?
Procedural Safeguards, known as Special Education Rights of Parents and Children Under Federal and State Requirements, protect the rights of children receiving special education and related services to ensure that the child receives a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). Parents receive a copy of the Procedural Safeguards Notice (PSN) at specific times from Cedar Unified School District #25, according to federal and state regulations.
For more information about Preschool Special Education Services at Cedar Unified School District #25, contact the Special Education Office at (928) 738.2335 ext 106.
