Preschool

Preschool early interventions services are intended to address the developmental needs of children with developmental delays or disabilities who are between three years and the age of beginners. The Pennsylvania Department of Education, through the Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL) sets the policies for services to preschool-age children. Services are contracted through mutually agreed upon written arrangements (MAWAs) with local intermediate units or school districts.

The importance of early intervention is well established. Quality early intervention services can ameliorate and sometimes correct the delays and challenges that some young learners experience. Through early intervention, eligible children receive the targeted support they need to achieve optimal development and learning.

Children are typically referred to early intervention because of concerns about their development. A screening is often the first step in the process. If the screening or other information indicates a need for more extensive evaluation, a Permission to Evaluate form is processed and a multidisciplinary evaluation is conducted. The evaluation is conducted by qualified professionals, includes parents, and uses valid tools and procedures to investigate referral concerns and all areas of development. Eligibility for services is determined by the evaluation team and is based on:

1. The identification of a developmental disability or a qualifying developmental delay, and
2. A demonstrated need for special education services

Once eligibility is determined, the evaluation team writes an IEP. The IEP specifies goals and objectives, specially designed instruction, and services and supports for the child (and family if desired). Once services are in place, a child's progress is monitored regularly and any needed program adjustments are made.

The PA Early Intervention Technical Assistance (EITA) system, which is a part of the Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network, supports early intervention programs through staff professional development and family informational services.