Early Childhood Special Education

Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) 

Early Childhood Special Education is a preschool program designed to foster and develop basic learning skills for children, from three through six years of age, with physical, cognitive, language, hearing, visual, emotional or autism spectrum disorder impairments. The ECSE team prepares the children for and provides them with the skills they need to make a successful transition to elementary school. Children who qualify for the program receive specialized instruction from certified staff. It is designed to meet the individual needs of each child.

ECSE is for 3-year-olds to 5-year-olds. Eligibility is determined by evaluations conducted by an early childhood diagnostic team. An Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is written for qualified children. Services may include speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and/or social work. Parents receive support and instruction sessions.

If you are seeking to enroll a student in ECSE, please contact Heather Kennedy, Special Education Secretary, at 616-892-3460.