WHO ELIGIBLE FOR THE PROGRAM?

Any child in the district, age three to five, who has not started his or her formal public school education, and who may show developmental problems, including communication, physical development, social function, emotional health or an ability to learn or perform motor skills at an age- appropriate level.

WHO DETERMINES IF A CHILD SHOULD BE SCREENED?

Parents who suspect their child has a developmental disability should contact the district’s Special Services office. The child will receive a free screening by specially- trained district Child Study Team members and speech therapists.

WHAT IS INVOLVED WITH TH ESCREENING PROCESS?

If the screening confirms that a child has a handicap that will impede normal school development, the Child Study team will schedule a comprehensive preschool assessment evaluation. This child-friendly assessment will determine the nature and extent of the disability and whether or not the child would benefit PDS. If so, the Child Study Team will write and an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for the child, focusing on his or her special needs.

WHAT IF A PARENT CHOOSES NOT TO HAVE A CHILD EVALUATED, OR NOT TO ACCEPT THE DISTRICTS RECOMMENDATIONS?

Parents must give consent before a child can assessed. Children are placed in the program only after a parent or guardian agrees--in writing—with the decision onto have the child evaluated or the direction of the IEP. The program was created to give special needs preschoolers the best chance of seceding. Enrolling a child in the PDP will not "label’’ or "stigmatize’’ a child.

WHAT IS THE GOAL OF THE PRESCHOOL DISABILITIES PROGRAM?

The program’s goal is to prepare children to enter school with social, emotional and preacademic readiness skills. Experience has shown that the sooner a child’s special needs are identified and addressed, the greater the chance that the child will compensate for his or her disability.

Lumberton’s Preschool Disabilities Program operates five half days a week. In each class, one teacher and one aide work with no more than 12 students. Staff members are trained in special education and early childhood education. Activities are geared toward preschool-age children and help develop language, motor skills, self-awareness, self-help skills, school and readiness skills, and social- emotional skills. Depending on a child’s needs, related services may include physical, occupational and speech therapy.

CAN THE DISTRICT HELP SPECIAL-NEEDWS CHILDREN WHO ARE YOUNGER THAN THREE?

This school district refers children younger than age of three to the Early Intervention Program, sponsored by Speech and Hearing Clinic

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