Who do I contact if I think my preschool child needs special education?

Answer 1

First, you should contact your local school district. Voice your concerns to them (speech delay, developmental delay, etc). Most likely, they will have you meet with a nurse and/or school psychiatrist for an evaluation. At that time, they will determine if your child needs to be placed in a special education program. If they do, most districts have preschool programs for children with special needs.

Answer 2

First, contact the closest children's hospital to you and have your child evaluated by their early intervention team. They will do a thorough evaluation, medically and developmentally. Once you have these results, the medical professionals there will discuss with possible therapy for your child and even recommend any special preschools that could benefit your child. This is just a starting point. From there you will also be connected with the local school system for further evaluations to be sure that your child is properly placed as he/she enters the school system. The medical evaluation could help you receive additional financial resources (like SSI) to help pay for any special interventions deemed necessary to help your child grow and thrive.

Answer 3

Ask your doctor for a reccomendation for testing. Also some school districts offer special education as young as three. Look on the web for state programs for persons with disabilities.

Answer 4

Contacting your doc may do you no good if they don't have the info as many doc's office's don't. The school district can ALWAYS tell you who to contact in the community for a prek evaluation. It's what they do! Also, you can contact your county health dept, immunization clinic, WIC, and agencies such as these to determine who to contact. I'd go with the school district for a sure thing, though.

Answer 5

Head start does serve needs for special students, BUT they are not mandated by the federal special ed laws called IDEA to serve students according to law.
THey do not help children the same as when children qualify under 'special ed services'.

In order for a child to get services thru special ed, the school district (not headstart) has to do an evaluation on the child to see if he qualifies. A child does not automatically qualify just because they have a disability.

To get child help thru special ed, you write a letter to the school district special ed director --

Dear (sped director) Date top of letter!

I am requesting an initial full educational evaluation testing in all areas of suspected disabilities, as specified by IDEA law, to determine if my child (name) can qualify for special ed services.

My child's problems are (here, you write down all problems)

Please consider this my formal parental written consent to have this evaluation administered to my child. I understand that the district has 60 days from the date of my written parental consent to have all evaluations completed.

I am requesting a copy of all evaluation reports with scores included at least 5 days before the eligibility meeting so I can be an informed member of the IEP team and make informed decisions for my child.

I am requesting a copy of parents rights and procedural safeguards, which IDEA law states districts are to give to parents at the time they make a request for an initial evaluation.

I look foward to your written reply within 7 days.
Thank you.


Now, lots of times schools say they don't do testing for children who are not in school. IDEA law states they can do testing starting at 3 yrs old. If they tell you they won't do testing because of this, tell them to show you a written policy that states they can't do testing for children under school age.

Answer 6

First go to the doctors and describe what you have been noticing....They will recomend special testing..... If you dont get any results then call your local Headstart. or Local school district to have a invaluation done ASAP... If specail classes are needed the school district will pay for it there CSCP program............

Good Luck to you and your child..... Dont give up if you dont hear a answer your dont like... 2nd, 3rd or 4th oppions are great.......

Answer 7

Head Start. If you don't have one in your town the local school district will provide you with the info. By law, the gov. pays for schooling for 3-21y/o's with special needs. You will probably need a doctor opinion too, so speak to your pediatrician.

Answer 8

Your pediatric physician is a good start, he will send you to the specialist and therapist. Then they will recommend for your child to be enrolled in early child development class.

good luck, and hope your school has well experienced teachers.

Answer 9

Your school district, to have him/her tested.

Answer 10

The principal. Always start at the top, and accept no excuses. "Say what you mean, and mean what you say."