Children with disabilities make up at least 10% of enrollment in Head Start and Early Head Start and must meet specific eligibility criteria. We believe all children are special and have unique ways of learning. Because of this belief, children with disabilities are a welcome part of our Early Head Start and Head Start Programs.
Children younger than three:
- Must have an Individual Family Support Plan (IFSP) to qualify as a child with a disability
- May receive services in a center based program
Children ages three to five:
- Must have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) to qualify as a child with a disability
- Individualized Education Plan must indicate that an inclusion setting is the least restrictive environment
Specialists in the areas of child development, curriculum, and disabilities work together with parents and teachers to make sure that all children grow, play, and learn together.