Pre-K ESE

Transition from Early Steps to Pre-Kindergarten Special Education Services

Upon turning 3 years of age, your child is no longer eligible for services from Early Steps, according to the federal law known as Individuals with Disabilities Educational Act (IDEA 2004), Part C.

A Transition Conference is required for all children enrolled in the Early Steps Program in order to prepare for the conclusion of services at age 3. In Lee County, the transition conference is scheduled by your Primary Service Coordinator between 31 and 33 months of age. The school district will have a representative in attendance unless a parent requests otherwise.

An Eligibility Staffing will be scheduled to review all documentation to determine if your child qualifies for Special Education Services. If your child qualifies, an Individual Education Plan (IEP) will be written. As an IEP team, goals and services are written based on the needs of your child. These services will be scheduled to start on or before your child’s 3rd birthday, in accordance with the school year calendar. You will receive student enrollment information that must be submitted to the Student Enrollment office at the Lee County Public Education Center.

Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resources System (FDLRS)

FDLRS Island Coast Child Find works in partnership with the Lee County Public Schools to assist in the identification and screening of children ages 3 through 5 who are not enrolled in the public school system and who have or are at risk of developing disabilities or learning problems.

FDLRS Child Find Referral Process:

To refer a child, visit the FDLRS Island Coast website.

  • A CHILD FIND screening will be scheduled for your child. The results of the screening will determine if your child will be referred to the PK Assessment Team for a comprehensive evaluation. If referred for an evaluation, you will be contacted by the district evaluation team to schedule the evaluation appointment.
  • Once the evaluation is complete, an Eligibility Meeting will be scheduled to determine if your child qualifies for Special Education services based on the federal and state guidelines.
  • If your child is found eligible, an Individual Education Plan (IEP) will be written, and services will be determined based on needs identified on the IEP.
  • The parent will be provided information for enrollment with the Student Enrollment department at the Lee County Public Education Building.

Pre-Kindergarten Exceptional Student Education Program

Once eligibility for special education is determined for children ages 3 to 5 (prior to Kindergarten) with delays or disabilities, as determined by federal and state guidelines, services are determined by the Individual Education Plan (IEP) team.

  • Speech Communication Classroom Program - Instruction and therapy provided in a Lee County School District classroom setting by a Speech-Language Pathologist and PK ESE Teacher.
  • PK Inclusion Lee County Early Learning Programs - receiving Exceptional Student Education services in a school district Early Learning classroom.
  • PK ESE Programs - Specially Designed Instruction provided in a Lee County School District Exceptional Student Education classroom by a PK ESE teacher.
  • Itinerant Therapy - Therapy Services provided by a Special Education Speech-Language Pathologist in a district elementary school or the child’s already established preschool or childcare program. Speech, language, occupational, or physical therapies may be offered depending on evaluations, doctors’ referrals, and needs documented on the Individual Education Plan (IEP).

Frequently Asked Questions