Special Needs Preschool

WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR SPECIAL NEEDS PRESCHOOL?

This program serves children age three and up who have been identified through the preschool referral and evaluation process to be eligible for Special Education services.  If you have concerns that a child may not be developing appropriately in one or more of the following areas, he or she may be eligible for this program:

• Cognitive Development (Intellectual development)
• Language and Communication Development (Listening and speaking)
• Social and Emotional Development (Includes challenging behaviors)
• Physical Development (Includes large and fine motor skills)
• Adaptive Behavior Development (Self-help skills)

Children who are younger than three should be referred to Babies Can’t Wait (1-800-430-4212.)

WHO CAN REFER A CHILD TO THE SPECIAL NEEDS PRESCHOOL PROGRAM?

With parental consent, anyone may refer a child for this program, including:

• Concerned parents/guardians
• Physicians/Healthcare Providers
• Childcare Providers
• Preschool Providers/Head Start
• Early Intervention Programs/ Therapy Providers

HOW DO I REFER A CHILD FOR EVALUATION FOR THIS PROGRAM?

TO MAKE A REFERRAL, CALL COLQUITT COUNTY PRE-K/PRESCHOOL AT 890-6194.

Please note that several documents are required for referrals:

• Certified Birth Certificate
• Social Security Card
• Proof of Residency
• Current Immunization Record (Form 3231)
• Passed Hearing and Vision Screening within one year (Our school nurse is available to screen children by appointment only- call 890-6194.)

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER A CHILD IS REFERRED FOR THIS PROGRAM?

The parent/guardian will be interviewed by the Preschool Referral Coordinator and Special Education Resource Teacher to document concerns and background information, begin working on strategies to help the child, and begin data collection to monitor progress. Once all required documents are received and hearing and vision are cleared, the child may be evaluated by the Preschool Psychologist and Speech Pathologist, if indicated. An eligibility meeting will occur to discuss evaluation results and determine if child is eligible for Special Needs Preschool services. Based on the child’s individual needs, the IEP committee will determine how the child will receive services. Services will be provided in the child’s least restrictive environment, which may include: preschools, childcare centers, Head Start, or in a separate class for students with disabilities. 

Child Find Flyer for Special Needs Preschool 

Child Find Flyer for Special Needs Preschool- Spanish