Early Childhood Special Education FAQ's Virginia provides Early Childhood Special Education services for children ages two to Kindergarten, who qualify according to state and federal law.
All localities in the state have Early Childhood Special Education services available for children who are eligible(by September 30th), Part B of IDEA, provide services for children.
What services are available?
Supports and services may include, but aren't limited to:
What determines eligibility?
A child may be found eligible for Early Childhood Special Education services under one or more of 14 disability categories, which are defined in the federal and state regulations:
Developmental delay" means a disability affecting a child ages two by September 30 through six, inclusive:
Local school divisions determine the criteria for being found eligible for services under the developmental delay category.
Can I Afford This?
Early Childhood Special Education services are provided at no cost to you.
Does this mean my child would go to public school every day?
Local school divisions provide Early Childhood Special Education services, and should be contacted for specific information regarding their programs, as not all localities operate the same.
Some divisions include their Early Childhood Special Education programs in their elementary schools, while others house the program elsewhereIn some school divisions a child may attend a program four full days per week in a classroom of up to eight children receiving.
Early Childhood Special Education services, while in other divisions the child may come in for a portion of a day to receive services individually or in a smaller group.
Do I Really Have to Send My Two Year Old?
No. Early Intervention services, Part C of IDEA, are available to eligible children until their third birthday. It is up to you to decide what is best for you, your child, and your family. You can also decide for your child not to receive Early Childhood Special Education services, but instead choose community services. Such services vary between localities. Your Arc local chapter may be able to help identify community services in your area.
Who Do I Contact for Information?
If your child is receiving Early Intervention services their Service Coordinator will begin the transition from Part C to Part B services process with you. Local school divisions provide Early Childhood Special Education services, and should be contacted for specific information regarding their programs, as not all localities operate the same.
What is Transition?
After your child has been referred to your local Early Childhood Special Education system, by their Early Intervention Service Coordinator or system designee, many things will happen to ensure your child begins Early Childhood Special Education services in a timely manner and services do not lapse.
This process is known as Transition from Part C to Part B, or more commonly “transition”. You will be involved in this process and should plan to attend the Transition Planning, Eligibility Determination and Individualized Education Program meetings, which will each need to take place before your child enters the Early Childhood Special Education program.
For more information on the transition process, including required timelines, please read Transition from Part C to Part B.
What is an Individualized Education Program?
An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a detailed plan of services and supports that a child eligible for Part B services will receive while enrolled in school.
Every student receiving Part B services must have an IEP. It is developed collaboratively during an IEP meeting by members of the school your child will attend, school division representatives, your child (when appropriate) and yourself.
You are encouraged to invite others who may have knowledge or special expertise regarding your child, such as a close relative, caregivers, or someone who has worked with your child through Early Intervention.
An IEP is developed to meet the educational needs of your child, taking into consideration present level of developmental performance. IEP’s are developed annually, at minimum, and can be revised as needed.
For more information, please read about special education in our section entitled School Age.
What Are Our Rights?
Because Early Childhood Special Education is an option that is federally mandated under Part B of IDEA, there are strict guidelines and parental rights, known as Procedural Safeguards.
Some of the major components of these rights ensure that your child is provided with a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) and that they are provided with an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
To view it in its entirety, please read Procedural Safeguards.
See also "What are my family rights?"
What Comes Next?
If your child continues to need support as they enter kindergarten, they will continue to receive services under Part B of IDEA. They will continue to have an IEP as they receive special education services through your local school division. Your child’s unique needs, accompanied with the operations of their school division, will determine how those services are delivered. This will be discussed during an IEP meeting, before your child enters kindergarten.
What if we disagree?
You should always feel comfortable talking to your child’s teacher and/or administrative staff. If you can’t seem to catch them at a time that is convenient for you both, ask to schedule for a Parent/Teacher meeting. If the issue is related to something covered by your child’s IEP, or something you would like to see written into it, you will need to ask to schedule an IEP meeting.
If you do not feel that your concerns have been adequately resolved with either a Parent/Teacher or IEP meeting, schedule a meeting with the proper school administration.
Typically, all problems reach resolution at or before this level. If they do not, however, you may need to contact your school division’s Special Education Director, School Board or the Virginia Department of Education.
There are alternative dispute resolution options outlined in the Procedural Safeguards.
Who can help?
Many families and children enjoy their Early Childhood Special Education experience. It is an exciting time for growth and development. For some children, this is the first opportunity to spend time in a new environment, with new friends. However, should you find yourself in need of extra support, know that it is available to you. Never question yourself if you have to turn to someone else as you advocate for your child.
Here are some local contacts to consider:
What else can I do to be involved and informed?
It’s important for you to be involved in your child’s education. Most teachers do a great job of keeping you informed of daily events and progress your child has in the classroom.
They may soon describe a child that sounds unfamiliar to you, as we know children sometimes perform better for others than for their parents. Participating in the classroom as often as possible is a great way to see your child’s development first-hand.
There are many volunteer opportunities available to parents, and schools generally appreciate the help. There are also opportunities available to you that will support your school division’s, or even Virginia’s, Special Education program, while developing your advocacy skills.
Volunteer opportunities within your child’s school to consider:
Volunteer opportunities within your child’s school division or Virginia:
Who can guide me through this?
The transitions from Early Intervention to Early Childhood Special Education and then to school-aged Special Education is enough to leave you wondering if you will ever understand. There are many people that can assist you along the way. There are various local, state, and national organizations, including the Arc of Virginia that can offer you information, support and friendship.
Some local supports to consider:
In addition to learning about Early Childhood Special Education services, be sure to explore other information in "Help for Families" to learn about other local, state and federal programs that can provide services and supports to your child and family.
If your child will continue to need service after receiving Early Childhood Special Education, be sure to read about special education in our School Age section.
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