Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) services include special instruction and related services provided to all children ages 2 (by September 30) through 5 (and not age-eligible for kindergarten), who qualify under the Individuals with Disabilities Act. Prince William County School's ECSE program ensures the provision of a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) to all children who are found eligible for those services at no cost to their families, and in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). The LRE means children with disabilities receive services in typical community-based preschool settings and programs whenever possible, and only receive services in a more restrictive environment when their individual needs require it.
Services are based on an Individualized Education Program (IEP) which is developed with the parents of each child who is eligible for special education services. Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) offers early childhood resource services, early childhood class-based services and preschool speech therapy services.
Services
Resource Services
Early Childhood resource services provide instructional activities to children in a variety of community settings as agreed to by the IEP team. Early childhood special educators work with students and families to address specific developmental needs as outlined on the IEP. ECSE teachers collaborate with parents, other caregivers, and community professionals to incorporate skill building strategies into the child's daily activities.
Class-based Services
Early Childhood class-based services provide instruction in a school-based classroom. These services are located in a number of elementary schools within PWCS. Children receive both individualized and small group instruction to address areas of need identified in the child's IEP. The curriculum is language rich and emphasizes communication, early literacy and social development along with development in other areas. PWCS provides services specifically to children who are deaf or hard of hearing.
Preschool Speech Resource Services
Preschool students who are significantly delayed only in the area of speech and language development may receive services from the speech language pathologist in their neighborhood school. The amount of therapy time is determined by the child's IEP and services are usually provided in a small group setting.
Administrative Contact
Melissa Miller, Supervisor
[email protected]
Becky McGuire, Supervisor
[email protected]
Veronica Kleinen, Administrative Assistant II
[email protected]
703-791-8508