Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do if I have a concern about my child's development?

Parents of children who are 3-5 years old or approaching 3, who suspect their child may have a developmental delay that may affect them educationally, can:

1. Sign-up for a developmental screening. The screening measures your child's abilities in the areas of communication, motor development, cognition, self-help and social-emotional development. If the screening indicates a potential delay in any of the previously mentioned areas, it will be sent on for further review to see if an evaluation for special education is recommended.

2. If you participate in our PAT program, contact your parent educator. She will discuss your concerns with you and help you make an informed decision.

3. Contact our office at 314.213.8100 or email us at PattonvilleEC@psdr3.org.

NOTE: If your child is under 30 months of age and you have concerns about their development, we can help. We recommend starting with a developmental screening and a conference with our screening team. If the screening indicates a potential delay, the screening team can help you submit a referral to First Steps for further evaluation. Parents can also make a referral to First Steps. A screening is not required.

Is there a cost?

No. ECSE services are supported by federal funding under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) as well as state general revenue funds. There is no cost to parents for special education services identified in a child's Individualized Education Program (IEP).

Where Will Special Education Services Be Delivered?

Effective early intervention programs for preschool children with disabilities can be provided in a variety of settings. The key to determining the appropriate location for services is to decide which of the several options can best meet the needs identified for that child in his/her IEP. In determining the least restrictive environment for providing Special Education services, the IEP team must first consider an environment that allows the child to participate in developmentally appropriate activities with non-disabled peers. For preschool children, this could be their current day time setting (childcare center, home, Head Start classroom, etc.) and may include the use of supplemental aids and services. Pattonville School District also has several types of early childhood classrooms and therapy services to meet the wide range of children's needs.

What Services Are Available?

Special Education means specially designed instruction to meet the unique needs of a child with a disability. Services identified on an IEP might include special instruction, speech and language therapy, physical and occupational therapy, behavior intervention and other services.