Early Learning & Head Start

Disability & Mental Health Services

Families and children with disabilities are encouraged to participate in all aspects of our Early Learning & Head Start programs.

Our Early Learning Centers can make reasonable accommodations to enable children with disabilities to maximize their early childhood experience to the greatest extent possible. If a child with mobility concerns is enrolled at a site that does not meet all ADA requirements, our Disabilities & Mental Health Coordinator will make arrangements for the child to participate at the closest accessible site. We support children with special needs by providing accommodations and modifications within our inclusion classrooms.

Individualized Education Programs

Developmental screenings are completed for all children to help staff individualize the program for each child. All children, including a child with an IEP, are screened each year utilizing an Ages & Stages Questionnaire (ASQ-3) and Devereux Early Childhood Assessment (DECA P2). ASQ-3 screens for communication, gross and fine motor skills, problem-solving, and personal social skills. DECA-P2 screens social and behavioral skills.

A child with a diagnosed disability and a school district Individual Education Plan (IEP) has the right to a free and appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment.

Mental Health

We collaborate with several agencies for mental health services to meet the needs of the children and families. A mental health professional is scheduled throughout the year to provide classroom observations and is also available to meet with parents and staff.

The Disabilities & Mental Health Coordinator provides follow-up regarding children suspected or having identified special needs to ensure and review classroom intervention planning. Our coordinator also meets with the parent or guardian to connect them with appropriate services to assist with their child's needs.

We utilize the Devereux Early Childhood Assessment (DECA) tool. Children are observed by their teachers to obtain information regarding social, emotional and behavioral skills. The DECA results aid teachers, professionals and parents in understanding the current skills of children and the class as a whole. The results also help determine individualized learning strategies for assessing the progress of the children.