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Special Education Services

Preschool Services

  • Students age 3-5 with varying disabilities are served in all settings: School Based Preschool Programs, Community Daycare Programs, Head Start Program, University of Alabama Speech and Hearing Center, Rise Program, AIDB Kinder-prep Program and Home.
  • Referrals are made to the LEA through Early Intervention Agencies, Community Agencies, Daycare Directors, Head Start Personnel, Parents and Physicians.
  • Students who receive Early Intervention Services prior to turning three years of age are evaluated and eligibility is determined prior to the child’s 3rd If the child qualifies for services based on Alabama State Department of Education guidelines, an IEP is implemented and services begin on the students 3rd birthday.
  • Local Education Agency Representative, Special Education Teacher, Speech Language Pathologist, General Education Teacher(s) and parents are included in the IEP Team.

Speech
(From the Alabama Administrative Code, Alabama State Board of Education, State Department of Education, Chapter 290-8-9, Special Education Services Update 11/04/13): Speech or Language Impairment means a communication disorder in the area of articulation, voice, fluency, or language that adversely affects a child's educational performance.

Behavior
If a behavior problem is noted in the Special Instructional Factors of an IEP, the behavior must be addressed and the IEP Team must consider the use of positive behavioral interventions, supports, and/or other strategies to address that behavior. Additionally, the IEP Team may address the behavior through annual goals in the IEP. The child's IEP may include modifications in his or her program, support for his or her teachers, and any related services necessary to achieve those behavioral goals.

Instruction
(From the Alabama Administrative Code, Alabama State Board of Education, State Department of Education, Chapter 290-8-9.00 [21], Special Education Services Update 11/04/13): Special education means specially designed instruction, at no cost to the parents, to meet the unique needs of a child with a disability.

Occupational Therapy
Services provided by a qualified therapist that includes improving, developing, or restoring functions impaired or lost through illness, injury, or deprivation; improving ability to perform tasks for independent functioning if functions are impaired or lost; and preventing, through early intervention, initial or further impairment or loss of function.

Physical Therapy
Services provided by a qualified physical therapist.