What is Early Childhood Program?
The Early Childhood Program provides special education programs to students ages 3, 4, and 5 years old who are not yet kindergarten eligible and who reside in or attend preschool in East Allen County School district.

Who is Eligible for Services?
Eligibility for special education services is determined through a process outlined by Indiana’s Special Education Law, which is called Article 7. Evaluation procedures include an assessment with a standardized test instrument, a systematic observation in the child’s daily routine, a social and developmental history completed by the child’s parent/guardian, and specialized tests specific to the child’s suspected disability. A case conference is then scheduled to share the student’s evaluation information and to determine his/her eligibility for services. A child who is determined to have one or more of the following disabilities which interfere with learning as described in Article 7 would be eligible for services: developmental delay, autism, communication disorder, mental disability, emotional disability, hearing and /or visual impairments, learning disability, and other health impairments that directly inhibit arning.

What is a Case Conference?
Case conferences are required at least once a year for every student in a special education program. It is a meeting where information is shared by parents, teachers and other specialists, and an appropriate individual education program (IEP) is written.

Initial Case Conference – determines if your child is eligible under special education laws to receive special services from public funds.

Reconvened Case Conference – may be requested by school staff or parents if further issues arise or to finalize plans after a diagnostic placement.

Annual Case Review – held once each year to discuss progress and to plan for the following year.

What is an IEP?
An IEP is an individual education program that is written for each child every year listing needs, goals, and objectives. Services will be developed to meet the child’s needs and will be listed on the IEP. Parents are encouraged to have input into writing the IEP. Parents will be given a copy of the IEP.

What is our Goal?
After a case conference recommends services from the Early Childhood Program, the next step is for the parents to supply the school with several verification documents:

• A copy of your child’s original birth certificate (on file @ courthouse).
• A copy of your child’s immunization record.
• Proof of residence (e.g. copy of utility bill, insurance, lease, etc.).
• The school will give you several forms that are required to be completed and returned prior to student attendance:
• Four (green) student registration cards (an emergency phone number is required).
• School Insurance Enrollment form or the Insurance Waiver form (at least one of these forms must be completed and returned).
• A completed Medical Information form listing all medications that are routinely prescribed for your child.
• A Health Information form.
• A School Medical Examination (Physical) form (to be completed by a physician).
• Permission slips for field trips and pictures.

How do I know if my child may benefit from early intervention services?
There are general ages at which children should be able to do certain things. The following may help you determine if your child could benefit from a referral for early intervention services.