Early Childhood Special Education

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Early Childhood Special Education is a state and federally mandated program for children aged 3–5 who meet eligibility requirements because they are experiencing developmental delays. School districts and other public agencies are responsible for locating, identifying, and evaluating eligible children and for offering a free appropriate public education (FAPE). Eligible children are entitled to a FAPE at no cost to the family with programming designed to help children meet challenging objectives alongside their typically developing peers. When a delay is suspected or children are not meeting milestones, local school districts offer Child Find services, providing screening, and if needed, evaluation services to determine eligibility. ARS §15.771 is the section of the state regulations that defines preschool programs for children with disabilities. The Early Childhood Special Education unit offers technical assistance and professional development to early childhood administrators and practitioners across the state to support services to preschool-aged children with disabilities.

Visit our Early Childhood Special Education Professional Development page for upcoming events and professional development opportunities by subject.

Preschool Indicators:

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General Resources for:

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Contact us if you have questions or needs regarding special education programs and services for preschool-aged children. Use the following list to find your Early Childhood Special Education Program Specialist or contact your Specialist from the list below.