Early Childhood Special Education

Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) provides early intervention and special education services, including screening and evaluation, to children from birth to the start of kindergarten.

If you are concerned about your child's development, requests for information and referrals can be made to Renee Hartman, our HELP ME GROW intake at 952-758-1728.

Based on the needs of the child, services provided may include:

• Early identification, screening and assessment services
• Early Childhood Special Education
• Family Training and Education
• Speech and Language Pathology
• Occupational Therapy
• Physical Therapy
• School Psychological Services
• Case management services / Service Coordination
• Adaptive PE  

Service Locations:

Children receiving Early Childhood Special Education Services during the early childhood years are offered a variety of service options based on their unique needs.

Typically children ages 0 to 3 are provided services in their home or daycare environments.

For children ages 3 to 5 there are a variety of options including: services in the community (daycare, preschools) and Early Childhood Special Education classrooms. Placement is determined by a written plan developed by parents and school staff, to best meet the individual needs of the student.

Early Childhood Special Education Services:

• Are provided according to a written individualized plan which coordinates the services provided by all agencies involved.
• Are provided at no cost to families for the students that qualify to receive these services.
• Are provided to eligible children birth to 7 and their families. 
• Are appropriate to the child's level of functioning and needs. 
• May be provided through existing programs and services, if the individual needs of the child can be met. 
• May be provided through programs in which children with disabilities are served with children without disabilities.