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Transitioning from EI Services to Preschool.. where do I start?
At age 3, children are no longer eligible for Early Intervention services.
Prior to 3 months before your child’s 3rd birthday, your SC, PSP and school district representative will hold a Transition Meeting, which will give you the opportunity to learn about services available to your child once they turn 3 years old, if they are determined by the district to meet IDEA Part B eligibility for services as a preschooler.
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What if my child wasn't involved with Early Intervention before age 3?
School districts are required to evaluate children, ages 3 and older, who are suspected of having any type of developmental delay.
If delays are found that will impact a child’s education, an Individual Education Plan (IEP) is developed with the parent, and the team of professionals who will be working with the child.
This team may include: teachers, occupational, physical and/or speech and language therapists, school district Director of Special Education, school nurses, behavioral specialists, audiologists, and school principals.
Various options for preschool may include itinerant, home district-based, or alternative settings such as Stark County Board of DD or community charter schools.
IEP Roadmap: How to Seek Out Special Education Services for Your Child
Ohio Operating Standards for the Education of Children with Disabilities
A Parent’s Guide to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA)
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Stark DD Preschool Programs Overview
Our Preschool Program serves children from all 17 school districts in Stark County. Our well-rounded Early Childhood Education Curriculum follows the Ohio Learning Content Standards, which govern every licensed preschool in Ohio.
Stark DD Preschool programs are licensed by the Ohio Department of Education’s Office of Early Learning and School Readiness, and maintain a 5-star Step Up to Quality rating.
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What is an Individualized Education Plan (IEP)?
When your child transitions out of Early Intervention, your IFSP (Individual Family Service Plan) will take shape, and move to in IEP.
An Individual Education Plan (IEP) is the legal document that defines a child’s special education plan.
An IEP includes the disability under which the child qualifies for special education services, the services the team has determined the school will provide, the child’s yearly goals and objectives and any accommodations that must be made to assist their learning, (i.e.: Occupational Therapy (OT), Speech Therapy (SLP), assistive technology, etc.)
ODE Special Education Resources
How to Create the Best IEP and IEP Results … Even from a Distance
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What does Stark DD's Preschool Program look like for my child?
Stark DD Preschool Programs offer a full day program Monday through Thursday. Classes are held at either Eastgate Early Childhood & Family Center, or at satellite locations within local school district buildings. Satellite classes are staffed by Stark DD educators and professionals.
Up to 8 children with special needs are enrolled in each preschool classroom, along with up to 6 typically developing peers, with no more than a total of 12 students per room.
Preschool services available at all sites include:
- Specially Designed Instruction in a preschool classroom setting
- Occupational Therapy
- Physical Therapy
- Speech/Language Therapy
- Nursing Services
- Behavior Support Services
- Transportation
All services are provided by licensed and highly qualified professional staff. Take a look at our Preschool Parent Handbook to read more!
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Are there specialized programs? More about our Autism Program, Multiple Disabilities Program, and the Typical Peer Program.
Eastgate Early Childhood & Family Center offers specialized preschool curriculum for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder and/or related diagnoses.
Applied Behavior Analysis principles provide the framework for individualized instruction including developmental assessment, program development, ongoing program monitoring and evaluation.
The program for Mulitiple Disabilities is a program where preschool students who have significant cognitive, physical and/or medical needs, will work on independence, self-help and academic readiness skills in preparation for kindergarten.
Up to 6 children who are considered typically developing are enrolled in each preschool classroom.
These children serve as role models for language development and social skills.
Each typical peer who is at least 4 years of age receives individualized tutoring on academic readiness skills in preparation for kindergarten.
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What do I need to keep for my records?
Maintaining good records is very important. There could be numerous times throughout your life where you might need to produce an important record. Personal records that should be maintained are: social security card, birth certificate, medical records, and all evaluations (from schools, specialist, doctors, and other agencies).
Organizing Your Child’s Special Education File
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Need help with finding child care?
Finding child care for morning, afternoon, summer and weekends may be difficult. Having child care set up will help ensure your child receive the care they need.
The Stark DD Board does not fund or provide child care services. However, your SSA can help you find funding and coordinate care in your community.
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Other Funding Options
Family Support Services is a funding program for children not eligible for other funding. This program can provide limited funding for services including but not limited to respite, equipment, therapies, counseling, etc.
The intent of this program is to help families stay together by obtaining services to maintain family stability.
Call the Service and Support Administration Intake Line at 330-479-3582.
If you need help with funding child care, if eligible you can use Family Support Services (up to $750 per year for eligible families).
For future Financial planning, a waiver may assist paying for necessary services for your child in the future. Contact Stark DD’s Intake Line by calling 330-479-3582.
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More Resources: Autism Funding, Emergency Preparedness, and more.
If your child is diagnosed with Autism it is important to know the resources available to you and to network with your community.
Check out these links to start:
Funding Opportunities for Autism Treatment and Services:
Autism Speaks Patient Advocate Foundation-Resources available by diagnosis
State Plan insurance companies are required to provide Autism Treatment, see the article below.
Ohio autism insurance coverage mandate approved by state lawmakers
New Law Requires Ohio Insurance Plans to Cover ABA Therapy for Children with Autism
Ask your insurance company for details on what they provide.
Medicaid is required to provide Autism treatment if you are a Medicaid recipient.
It’s never too soon to begin teaching general safety awareness.
Check out this link to the September 26th Project, a project aimed at helping families double check their emergency preparedness.
Other Resources:
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Is your family going through a difficult time? Resources for assistance with food, medical, and shelter.
Is your family going through hard times and you need food? There are resources to help you.
Is your family struggling and you need housing? There are resources to help.
Stark County Sheleter Listings
Homeless Services Collaborative
Homeless Hotline 330-452-4363
Many families will qualify for Medicaid as their health insurance. Medicaid also has multiple services that are beneficial to families and individuals with a developmental disability.
Job and Family Services: http://www.starkjfs.org/
3 to 5 Years Old
Birth to 5 Years (3 to 5 Years)
Identification of educational needs and enrollment in an educational program that best fits the child and their family is key.