This program is designed to integrate typically developing peers with children who have identified educational needs. All children engage in a variety of activities and functional routines to help them build self-regulation, social-emotional, and academic skills that prepare them for their transition to kindergarten.
The overall goals of this program are to:
- Provide a diverse classroom environment in which students of all abilities learn together
- Provide the opportunity for children with differing abilities to interact, learn to play cooperatively, participate in functional routines, and build pre-academic skills through exposure to developmentally appropriate activities
- Allow children to develop individual learning styles and to learn at their own rate
- Provide developmentally appropriate models to children with developmental delays
- Provide the opportunity to develop compassion and understanding of the diversity within the community
If you are interested in having your child participate in the typical peer program, please contact the early childhood coordinator.
Cathy German, Early Childhood Coordinator
260-431-2180
cgerman@sacs.k12.in.us
Click the link below to go to the CDC’s Developmental Milestones resource page. Compare expected skills with what your child is currently doing.
If you have concerns with any part of your child’s development, talk with your child’s physician.
To refer your child for a possible evaluation with the SACS Early Childhood team, click the referral tab on the SACS Early Childhood webpage that explains how to contact the coordinator.
Referrals to our program come from different sources. Children may transition from First Steps services and/or parents may contact this program to refer their child.
If you have concerns about your child’s development, contact our early childhood coordinator at Southwest Allen County Schools, Special Education Department. The coordinator will discuss the concerns you have for your child and collaborate with early childhood personnel to make plans. Sometimes, a speech and/or language evaluation with a speech pathologist is scheduled. Other times, plans may include asking for permission to conduct a comprehensive multidisciplinary educational evaluation in the area(s) of need. After the evaluation is complete, a case conference committee, consisting of parents and educators, develop an Individual Education Plan (IEP) if your child meets eligibility requirements for special education.
Cathy German
Early Childhood Coordinator
260-431-2180
cgerman@sacs.k12.in.us
Dr. Patty Hartman
Director of Special Education
260-431-2040
PHartman@sacs.k12.in.us
How are children referred?
Referrals to our program come from different sources. Children may transition from First Steps services and/or parents may contact this program to refer their child.
How is eligibility determined?
A multidisciplinary team of educators and therapists evaluate children based on their individual needs. When testing is completed, a case conference committee meets to determine the child’s educational needs. This committee is made up of parents, a school representative, and educational specialists in the area of need.
What services will be provided?
After a child is evaluated and if he/she is found eligible, an IEP (Individualized Education Program) is developed by the case conference committee. Services are provided based on each child’s educational needs. These services may include: participation in a developmental preschool class located in our schools, speech/language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, vision therapy, and/or hearing services. Transportation may be provided.
If my child receives services through First Steps, will he/she automatically be eligible for services through the district’s preschool program?
In Indiana, criteria for eligibility for early childhood special education is different from First Steps. Therefore, some children who receive services through First Steps may not be eligible for services through schools. All children who are referred through the First Steps program will be evaluated with parent permission. Possible services will be based on those results and will be determined during a case conference committee meeting with both parents and educators present.
How much will these services cost?
Special education services, which are recommended and deemed educationally appropriate for a child by the case conference committee, are provided by the local school district at no cost to the family.
How often will my child’s progress be monitored by teachers and therapists?
Progress is measured frequently in the classroom and therapy setting. Written progress reports will be shared with parents one time every nine weeks, on the report card schedule. A case conference can be held at any time to discuss progress.
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