Children from three to five years of age who are experiencing developmental delays and are referred by an Intermediate Unit are eligible to participate in this program.
The objective of Early Intervention services for children from 3 to 5 years of age is to increase the functional and cognitive skills of the child with disabilities leading to greater independence. These services are also designed to provide for a smooth transition for the child and family into an educational placement at school age.
Before beginning services the child and his/her parents/caregiver participate in an initial evaluation conducted by professionals from multiple disciplines. Based on this evaluation an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is developed for each child. This plan defines the specific goals and outcomes of services that are needed and desired by the family for the individual. The plan also outlines the particular services that will be provided to facilitate achievement of the family goals. Progress of the child and the Individualized Education Programs are reviewed annually and changes to services are generally made at that time.
Services are provided in an Easterseals center based preschool classroom or in the natural environment, which could be the home or a community-based early childhood program. Each classroom follows a regular preschool curriculum adapted to meet the needs of both typical and special needs children.
A teacher who is part of a multi-disciplinary team assigned to implement the collective IEPs for the enrolled children directs the classroom-based program. Working with the teacher and instructional assistants are professionals from a variety of disciplines including such things as occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, vision therapy, hearing therapy, nursing, social work, music therapy and assistive technology.
Classroom services are generally provided on a “stretch calendar” which includes 180 classroom days provided over the course of 12 months. Children generally participate in half-day sessions for two to four times each week depending on their individual needs. Full day sessions are offered as a preferred option for children on the autism spectrum.
