Early Childhood Special Education For Children With a History of Preterm Birth

Depending on how premature your baby was at birth, your child may face some persistent medical and educational challenges. Cerebral palsy, mental impairment, as well as visual and hearing problems are common. Sensory difficulties, learning disabilities, and growth delays may also be exhibited. The good news is that early identification and treatment of these conditions can make a big difference in treating the challenges of prematurity. The world of early childhood special education can be a bit confusing, but well worth the effort since it can make such a difference in a child’s life.

Your pediatrician will be diligent in periodically screening your child for any disabling conditions. Screening tools will be used at each doctor visit to make sure that your child is on track with the appropriate developmental milestones. If follow up is needed, more in depth testing will be administered to determine whether a developmental delay or medical problem is present. When a problem has be diagnosed, your child will begin receiving the prescribed treatment from a variety of sources.

IDEA, or the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act provides a free appropriate public education to children with disabilities from birth to age 21. Your child will be periodically assessed to determine eligibility for services. An individualized education plan will be developed for your child after eligibility has been determined. Early childhood special education can be grouped into 3 levels, early intervention (birth through age 3), preschool (ages 3-5), and kindergarten and up (kindergarten-through early elementary grades).

Federally funded agencies, such as Birth To Three, will provide your child with services in areas of need, from the time your child comes home from the hospital until his third birthday (part C of IDEA:Individuals With Disabilities Education Act). Physical therapy, occupational therapy, vision, hearing, speech, and educational services may be provided to your child in the home or daycare setting. If your child is a preemie, he will probably qualify at birth. Although these programs vary from state to state, many of these services are free to parents. An early interventionist will provide your whole family with support pertaining to your child’s challenges. You will learn activities to use during your baby’s typical day that will increase his learning experiences.

When your child turns three, services will be transferred to the public school or other preschool setting (part B of IDEA). Your child will be assessed in several developmental areas. If there is a 25% delay in two or more areas, your child will receive free services in the public school preschool setting. Preschool will prepare your little one to enter kindergarten with confidence. All needed therapies will be provided during the preschool day. You will have access to a team of professionals who have your child’s success as their number one priority. Your child will learn pre-academic skills that will be essential to success in kindergarten. Social and self help skills will also be addressed, which are sometimes an issue with prematurely born children. The goal of preschool special education is to close any developmental gaps a child may be experiencing, including those resulting from premature birth, and prepare him to enter kindergarten.

If your child still requires additional educational support by the time he begins kindergarten, these services can be continued through the special education department of your local school district. Prior to kindergarten entrance, complete testing will take place, and it will be determined if special education resources are needed. Special education support can be obtained through age 21, or until graduation.

The special education system will always consider the least restrictive environment for your child when determining the appropriate placement. Children are required to be educated with their same age peers whenever possible. Most children will spend a large portion of their day in the regular classroom, and attend necessary therapies and resource classes. It is very important that children be around typically developing peers because children learn a lot from each other.

Parents of preemies must arm themselves with the knowledge of educational resources that are in place. The success of children born preterm can be greatly enhanced by early intervention. These services can make the difference in your child’s educational career.

1. Wikipedia: IDEA: Individuals withDisabilities Education Act, Early Intervention

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Individuals_with_Disabilities_Education_Act_Early_Intervention

2. IDEA.gov

http://idea.ed.gov/