Early intervention is an important service that Head Start provides. Each enrolled child is screened by Child Development Services (CDS) to help identify any suspected special needs the child might have. These could include speech delays, fine motor or large motor concerns. When screening indicates a possible need, further evaluation is done. If it is determined that the child would benefit from services, speech therapy, occupational therapy, developmental therapy or physical therapy services are put into place. Parents are included at every step of this process, and are present at screenings and Early Childhood Team (ECT) meetings where the Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) is developed.
To ensure that all children have had a developmental screening within 45 days of the beginning of the program year as required by Head Start Performance Standards, CDS holds summer screening days at our Belfast, Searsport, and Unity sites. The Special Services, Health, and Nutrition Coordinators are at these screening days with the CDS personnel. Parents are notified by mail of screening times.
Children are also screened twice a year using the Devereaux Early Childhood Assessment (DECA). This tool has both a parent and teacher component, and measures social and emotional development. DECA results are shared with parents at the fall and spring Parent-Teacher conferences.
Head Start contracts with a Child Behavior Consultant. When children are displaying behaviors in the classroom that teachers feel may be cause for concern, the teacher will talk to the parent about having an observation of the child made. Observations are never made without parent consent. If the observation shows that the child may need services, a meeting will be held with teachers, the Child Behavior Consultant, and parents to decide on the best course of action for the child. This might be Play Therapy during school hours, a modified schedule, a one-on-one aide for the child, or placing the child in a more inclusive setting. As with all aspects of the child's education, parents are included at every stage of the process.
If you have any questions about services we provide for children with special needs, please call Child Development Supervisor/Assistant Director Nancy Darlington at 338-3827, ext. 215 or email her at ndarlington@waldocap.org