Help for Families

Early Childhood Special Education

Virginia provides Early Childhood Special Education services for children ages two to Kindergarten who qualify according to state and federal law.

These services, also referred to as ECSE or Special Education Pre-school, are within the Part B of the federal special education law called the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). All localities within the Commonwealth have ECSE services.

These services focus on preparing the young student for kindergarten and their academic years. Program design and delivery varies among localities. Parents and schools work together to ensure services meet the developmental needs of the student. Participation in programs with typically developing peers is encouraged when appropriate. A student can be referred to ECSE services many ways, such as by a physician, parent, or may even be transitioning from Early Intervention (Part C) Services. The earlier ECSE services are provided for children with disabilities, the better the long term prognosis. Children with special needs who have experienced support early in life do better in future settings.

• Virginia Department of Education
• Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSERS)
• Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP)
• PEATC
• Wrightslaw
• VOPA
• Parent’s Guide to Special Education (PDF)
• Procedural Safeguards (PDF)
• An Introduction to the Transition Process (PDF)
• Early Childhood Transition to Part B (PDF)
• Disagree? Put it into Perspective (Word)