EARLY CHILDHOOD EDUCATION
It’s very important to find an early childhood program that is built on respect for families with a focus on ensuring that every child has a place in the community and the best possible chance to succeed. Support, information and coordinated services in community settings are what will enhance your ability to manage the gifts and the challenges of your child.
As families transition from early intervention into preschool, the focus on the child’s strengths and inclusion in community activities continues. Preschool special education services and other community supports for young children and their families assist them in developing the skills necessary for success in school.
“Who is rich? He/she who rejoices in his/her portion.”
Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP)
To get the educational support you need for your child, your state will use an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) or an Individualized Education Program (IEP). The IFSP guides the early intervention process for children with disabilities and their families, ensuring the child’s services are in line with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The IFSP is both a plan and a process. The plan is a written document that identifies the outcomes, services and supports needed for the child and family. The process includes ongoing assessment to gather, share and exchange information between the family and the early intervention practitioners to help parents make informed choices about early intervention services, i.e. speech therapy or occupational therapy, for the child and family.
In order for the child to receive services, the parent must consent to the IFSP. Consent can be withdrawn at any time.
The IFSP is reviewed every six months or more frequently, if appropriate. Parents must participate in an annual IFSP meeting to review their child’s plan and outcomes each year to determine if any plan changes are needed.
The IFSP contains the following components:
It isn’t enough to simply be aware that you need guidance to transition successfully from high school to the next phase of young adulthood; concrete action steps must be taken to guide and prepare you for college, a career and independent living.
Local Resources
Early Learning Coalition of Palm Beach County – Building community-wide commitment for comprehensive, high-quality early learning environments that benefit the children and families of Palm Beach County.
Early Steps Children Medical Services Serves children with developmental delays or established from birth-3. Early interventions are provided to support families and caregivers in developing the competence and confidence to help their child learn and develop.
Easter Seals Igoe-Amar Child Development Center– West Palm Beach is a rich learning environment that will stimulate your child’s physical, social, emotional and intellectual growth and development for children with disabilities in Palm Beach County.
Family Central, Inc. Mission is to promote children’s success by providing quality family support and educational services so that every child and family can succeed. FCI provides child care resources and referrel services; eligibility determination and enrollment of children for subsidized care and Volunteer Prekindergarten (VPK).
PediPec – is a non-residential facility available for up to 12 hours a day for children who require skilled nursing intervention. Children age twenty years and younger may be eligible for PPEC services which are covered by Medicaid and many private insurance companies. PPEC services are prescribed by a physician and can be used instead of, or in conjunction with, private duty nursing. We offer physical, occupational, respiratory and speech therapies. Transportation to and from Pedi Pec is provided by Medicaid.
United Community Options preschool ages 2-4 in Lake Worth for typical and special needs children. Accepting McKay scholarship.
