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Early Childhood Special Education

We offer services to children age birth to seven-years-old who are eligible for and in need of specially designed instruction. Services may include assessment, help with resources, consultation with families and child care providers, and/or direct services for identified needs.

Birth-Age 3

Early intervention services are available for young children ages birth through age 2 years 11 months who meet criteria established by the Minnesota State Department of Education. An Early Intervention team facilitates service delivery as written in the Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP), developed by parents and service providers.

Services are tailored to meet each child's unique needs, based on the results of a comprehensive developmental evaluation. Depending on your child's strengths and areas where they may need support, services may include direct or consultative support from an early childhood special education teacher, speech-language pathologist, occupational therapist, and/or physical therapist.

Services are family-centered and focus on your family's priorities and goals. Using a coaching approach, providers work alongside you to build on your strengths and help you support your child's learning and development during everyday routines and activities. Early Intervention services can also involve other natural environments such as childcare or Early Childhood Family Education settings. In addition to home based service, a classroom opportunity may also be available to facilitate the transition between home based and center based services in the months prior to the child’s third birthday.

If you have a concern with your child’s communication, motor, behavior, vision, hearing, social/emotional development or cognitive development, please contact Help Me Grow at 1-866-693-GROW (4769).

Age 3-Kindergarten

Early Childhood Special Education services are available for children from age three to kindergarten entrance who meet criteria established by the Minnesota State Department of Education. Services follow an Individual Education Plan (IEP) developed by parents and service providers.

Services are based on each child’s individual needs and may include assessment and evaluation, early childhood family education, occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech/language services, vision and hearing services, assistive technology, autism consultation, Anoka County social services, and health services by licensed school nurses.

Services and support are typically provided in a preschool setting, but can also involve consultation services in students’ other natural environments such as childcare and other Early Childhood Education settings.

If you have a concern with your child’s communication, motor, behavior, vision, hearing, social/emotional development or cognitive development, please contact the Early Childhood Office at 763-600-5900.

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