Special Education

Preschools—Early Childhood—Ages 3-4

Early intervention services are available to children at age three. Following a developmental assessment, an individual education plan is developed. Services may be provided in a small group or classroom setting.

Educationally Handicapped (E.H.) / Learning Disabled (L.D.), Perceptual / Communicative Disorder (P.C.D.)—Grades K-6

This programming located in each school assists the student in developing skills and learning behaviors which enable him / her to benefit from the general education program despite learning difficulty in the cognitive and / or language processing area which makes learning in the conventional sense difficult. Delivery of service is through integration (team teaching), consultation, differentiated instruction, materials modification, and pull out.
Located in all schools.

Significant Support Needs (SSN)—Grades K-6

This programming is for children ages 5-12/13 with severe / profound disabilities. Children in this program have two or more significant handicaps in the cognitive, speech/language, or motor areas. Teacher / pupil ratio is low. The goals for the children include adapted living skills. Many neighborhood schools have "in-house" non categorical and / or multiple disability programming.

Significant Identifiable Emotional Disability (SIED)—Grades K-6

This program is for children grades K through 6 who have significant emotional disorders which interfere with the student's ability to benefit from existing school programs. This program focus is on appropriate social-emotional behaviors as well as academics. Students are returned to their home schools as they develop appropriate behavior and control.

Secondary

Secondary schools are expected to provide a comprehensive continuum of services to meet students' needs.

Other

Plum Creek Academy--Grades 7-12
This program is for 7th through 12th grade students who have highly significant emotional disorders which interfere with the student's ability to benefit from existing school programs. This program focus is on appropriate social-emotional behaviors as well as academics. Students are returned to their home schools as they develop appropriate behavior and control.

Deaf/Hard of Hearing--Significant Needs
This programming serves students Kindergarten through 12th grade with hearing loss and whose needs require intensive services by the teacher of the deaf/hard of hearing, audiologist, and speech/language therapist. Use of sign language is incorporated based upon need. Educational Interpreter-Tutors are available for mainstreaming.
Located at: Summit View Elem., Cresthill Middle School, Douglas County High School, Highlands Ranch High School.

Douglas County School District Mental Health Team:
The mission of the Douglas County School District Mental Health Team is to work with students, staff, and families by providing the consultation, assessment, intervention, and skill development necessary to create successful learning opportunities for all students.

Q: What early intervention services are available for infants and toddlers?

A: Children from birth to three years of age receive a multidisciplinary evaluation through Child Find to determine eligibility for service coordination and the development of an "Individualized Family Service Plan". Children from three to five years of age receive services through the school district.

Q: Who are the members of the Child Find Team?

A: Each Child Find team includes professionals who evaluate the clarity of speech, the use and understanding of language, fine, gross and visual-motor skills, cognitive ability and behavior. A team member also reviews the child's medical, health, and developmental history with the parents. The team may include representation from speech language pathology, occupational therapy, psychology, social work, nursing and other specialists as necessary.

Q: What happens at a screening?

A: Screenings are conducted in playrooms designed to be inviting to young children. Parents are asked to participate in the screening by providing support for their child, observing the screening and by providing information about their child. Screenings look briefly at a child's overall development to determine whether areas of developmental concern exist and a need for formal evaluation is warranted. Using materials that are presented in game like format, the evaluators assess cognitive, speech, language, fine motor and gross motor skills. When the assessment is completed, the results and recommendations are shared with the parents and a brief written summary is completed. Parents are often given suggestions of helpful activities they can do at home. Children who demonstrate a significant risk for having developmental delays may return for an evaluation.

Q: How is a screening different from an evaluation?

A: An evaluation is a more in depth look at the areas where the child is experiencing difficulty. Unless otherwise determined, the parent(s) remain in the room with the child during the screening or evaluation. The results from the evaluation are used to determine if the child will qualify for intervention services and to develop an appropriate service or educational plan.

Q: How do I decide if my child should be seen?

A: The most common concern that brings a family to Child Find is a question about their child's speech. Often, the child is late in talking or their speech is unclear. Parents want to know if they should be worried about these issues, seek intervention or if their child will outgrow the problem on their own. Many local preschools and day care centers refer families to Child Find. Sometimes, children have trouble with fine motor activities and consequently, avoid the paper and pencil activities in preschool. Concerns with behavior problems, such as hitting or biting will precipitate a referral to Child Find. Some children have a difficult time paying attention or have such a high activity level that parents worry about learning problems or hyperactivity.

Q: How do I schedule an appointment?

A: Call the Child Find office at (303) 387-0800 to schedule an appointment. Preliminary information will be gathered over the phone and an appointment will be scheduled in either our Highlands Ranch or Castle Rock office. Materials will be mailed to you for you to complete at home and bring with you to your appointment.

Q: What should I tell my child about their Child Find appointment?

A: You may tell your child they are going to school to play some games. Children become inhibited if they are told they are going to be tested to see if they are ready for school.

Q: What if I am moving into Douglas County from another school district with an active Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) or Individual Education Plan (IEP)?

A: Children who have been identified as having significant developmental delays and have an active IFSP or IEP do not need to repeat the full evaluation process. Call the Child Find Office at (303) 387-0800 to make arrangements to mail or fax a copy of your child's IFSP or IEP, for review and determination of next steps.