CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES

The Lakewood Preschool is primarily an early intervention program for children with a disability and who are between the ages of 3 and 6 years of age (if turning 6 after January 1 of the school year). When there are concerns about a young child’s development, we can conduct a free multi-factored evaluation of the child. The evaluation process includes observations and assessments conducted by a team comprised of three or more of the following: school psychologist, early childhood intervention specialist, therapists, and input from the parents/guardians.   

An evaluation team meeting is held with all the team members, including the parents/guardians, to review evaluation information and make a determination of whether an educational disability exists. Children with disabilities in our preschool program have a wide range of needs including communication, hearing, motor (fine and gross), vision, cognition, adaptive behavior (self-help skills), and/or social/emotional/behavioral functioning. If the child is identified as having a disability, then the Individual Education Plan (IEP) team, (which also includes the parents/guardians as integral team members) meets to develop goals, services, and decide where best the interventions can be provided. Children identified as having a disability do not pay preschool tuition. 

The continuum of options where Lakewood Local School District staff can deliver IEP services includes itinerantly-based (outside of the preschool classroom) and classroom-based services.  

1. Itinerantly - In a licensed, community based child care or preschool (preschool paid by parent/guardian), within the boundaries of Lakewood Local School District.
2. Itinerantly - Head Start program in Buckeye Lake.
3. Itinerantly – Within a local library, community or private center, or child’s home.
4. Within one of the two Lakewood Local School District’s preschool classrooms.
5. In a therapy space within the Lakewood Local School District’s building (called Service Provider Location).