Early Childhood Special Education
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- Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE)
Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE)
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The Shakopee Public Schools' Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) team provides a full continuum of services for children ages birth through 5 years. The ECSE program strives to provide services to children in the most natural learning environment possible.
Assessment for children ages birth through 5 can include cognitive, speech/language, motor, self-help and social/emotional development. The assessment plan is designed based on the needs of each child.
The center-based classroom is a full program for students who have multiple needs. The program’s philosophy is that services are most effective when delivered in an integrated manner. Services are available one to four days per week and are provided by a team that includes an OT, adapted physical education teacher, ECSE teacher and a speech/language clinician.The ECSE team may comprise:- Early Childhood Special Education Teachers
- Educational Speech/Language Pathologists
- Occupational Therapist (OT)
- Physical Therapist (PT)
- Adapted Physical Education Teacher
- School Psychologist
- School Social Worker
- School Nurse
- Teacher of the Deaf/Hard of Hearing
- Educational Audiologist
- Teacher of the Visually Impaired
- Consultation for children suspected of having Autism or Related Pervasive Development Disorders
- Mental health consultation and/or referral
Additional Details
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Home Visits
Regularly scheduled home visits are an option for families of children participating in center- or community-based programs. This provides a natural setting for working on specific skills with parents/guardians.
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Family Activities
Parent/guardian support and education activities are offered in cooperation with Early Childhood Family Education. Programs are offered at a school site and may include sibling care. Parent involvement is also encouraged in the center-based classroom.
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Referral Procedure
If you are new to the community and have a child with an active IEP or a diagnosed disability, please contact Julie Ritter, (jritter@shakopee.k12.mn.us), Early Childhood Special Education Administrator (952.496.5860).
As you watch your child grow, you may become concerned about your child’s development. While all young children grow and change at their own rate, sometimes you may have concerns that your child is developing differently than other children the same age as your child. If you have concerns about your child's development, we are here to support you.
HOW DO I MAKE A REFERRAL?
Help Me Grow
Electronic referrals are confidential and are automatically sent to the school district: http://helpmegrowmn.org/HMG/Refer/index.htm
Other Methods for Referral
Phone: 952-496-5870 or 952-496-5860
Email: lmonnens@shakopee.k12.mn.us OR jritter@shakopee.k12.mn.us
When making a referral, please include your child's name, date of birth, and a description of your concern. Once a referral is made to the local early intervention program, the family will be contacted to arrange for a screening or evaluation to determine if your child is eligible for infant and toddler intervention or preschool special education services.
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Special Language Groups
Speech/Language-Only Groups (for 3-5 year olds):
Services are provided in small groups of children with similar needs and are offered in a play-based environment. The amount and frequency of service is based on each child’s individual needs.
