The Early Education Program is designed to assist schools and communities in the development, implementation, and evaluation of programs and services for young children (early childhood special education ages three through nine, four-five year old kindergarten, etc.) including but not limited to: provision of information and research on issues in early childhood education; consultation with special and regular education teachers in the areas of screening and assessment; classroom management; curriculum development; instructional methods; and materials and equipment selections.
IDEA Preschool Discretionary Grant Funded Services
Special emphasis is placed on meeting the requirements of the State Performance Plan (SPP) in the areas of LRE/preschool options, child outcomes, and Birth-to-3 transition. Federal and state laws are changing special education procedures by putting emphasis on parent partnerships, streamlining the process, and increased accountability. The Early Childhood Services include technical assistance and professional development in
the following areas:
- IEP Support: Evaluation and eligibility, service delivery options for young children with disabilities and resources related to working with children who are deaf/hard of hearing or blind/visually impaired.
- Standards Instruction and Assessment: Evidence-based teaching strategies and curriculum; on-going assessment practices.
- Child Find/Screening: School districts and other early childhood programs are working together through informed referral networks to identify children who may need additional developmental support and to provide information to parents about their child's development.
- Social Emotional Competence: The WI Pyramid Model (Preschool PBIS Model) comprehensive, cross disciplinary professional development to support professionals working to ensure the social and emotional well-being of infants, young children, and their families.
- Culturally & Linguistically Responsive Practices: Resources and support related to working with tribal students and dual-language learners.
Contracted Services
Additional services include but are not limited to the following: customized in-service trainings and workshops for regular and special education staff comprising of Wisconsin Model Early Learning Standards (WMELS), facilitation of regional support networks (Early Childhood Network and EC Special Education Outcomes Group), regular school site visits (including environmental and program evaluation with follow-up coaching as needed), and parent education presentations.
For more information contact:
Kelly Demers
Early Childhood Program Director
(608) 786-4810; Toll Free (800) 514-3075
kdemers@cesa4.org
Jen Lorenz
Program Assistant
(608) 786-4840; Toll Free (800) 514-3075
|