Early Childhood Special Education

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Early Childhood Special Education

Overview

Special education and related services are required by federal and state law. The laws are intended to ensure that young children with disabilities are provided a free and appropriate public education in accordance with their individual needs. Early childhood special education as defined by the federal law known as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is for 3-, 4- and 5-year-old children with disabilities who require special education. In Connecticut, special education and related services are available to eligible children by age 3 and are provided by local and regional school districts.

Early Intervention over Three
- New! Overview Video, Flowchart, EIS Over 3 FAQS
ECO - Early Childhood Outcomes
Early Childhood Outcomes - User Training Webinar (2020)
NAEYC Accreditation
- Model Interagency Agreement: for use between school districts and early childhood programs
- NAEYC Training Opportunities
  - National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC): Accreditation of Programs for Young Children
Parent/Community Early Care Information
Preschool LRE
- Including Children with Disabilities in Connecticut Early Childhood Programs
- CSDE/OEC joint memo: Children Who Attend Child Care Programs and Receive Support Services
Making Sound Placement Decisions for Children with Disabilities, Ages 3-5
- Slides - Making Sound Placement Decisions for Children with Disabilities, Ages 3-5
- Resources - Making Sound Placement Decisions for Children with Disabilities, Ages 3-5
Publications
- Connecticut Preschool Special Education Needs Assessment (April 28, 2020)
Service Provision
- Itinerant Early Childhood Special Education webinar
Transition
- Approaching the Transition out of Birth to Three
- Cuando se aproxima el egreso del programa Infantes a Tres Años
- PowerPoint presentation regarding Transition from Birth to Three to Public School 2020
- Course: Transitioning from Birth-to-Three Services to Special Education
- Transition Meeting Birth to Three Special Education
- LEA Responsibilities SEDAC Report and Child Find
- This video will provide you with information about Early Intervention Over Age 3 (EIS Over 3) including LEA responsibilities and Birth to Three (B23) procedures. EIS Over 3 is an option for young children transitioning from B23, eligible for Part B with a 3rd birthday on or after May 1st (note: for 2021 only the date is May 21st or later). Please contact Andrea Brinnel at andrea.brinnel@ct.gov with questions.