Parent Handbook

Early Childhood Special Education

The Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) assessment process helps determine whether a young child may need extra support to succeed in school. When a concern about a child’s development is shared by a parent, teacher, or doctor, the child may be referred for an evaluation. With parent permission, our team of specialists will assess areas such as communication, learning, motor skills, social development, and behavior. These assessments may include observations, play-based activities, and input from parents and caregivers. After the evaluation is complete, the team meets with the family to review the results and determine whether the child qualifies for ECSE services. If the child is eligible, the team works together to develop an individualized plan to support the child’s growth and learning. Parents are an important part of every step in the process.  If you have concerns about your child's development, please contact the ECSE office at (417) 523-7700 to discuss your options.   Children must be at least three years old in order to receive ECSE services.

LEAD Academy

To qualify for LEAD Academy placement, students must turn three years old on or before July 31st, live within the SPS district boundaries, score in the 40th percentile or higher on the DIAL-4 screening (provided by Parents As Teachers), and be recommended for placement by a Parent Educator or other school personnel.  In order to start the enrollment process, parents should complete the Early Childhood Interest Form and request a screening from PAT by calling (417) 523-1333.  

Wonder Years

To qualify for Wonder Years placement, students must turn four years old on or before July 31st and live within the SPS district boundaries.  Placement preference is given to families likely to qualify for free or reduced meal status or children with an educational need.  To start the enrollment process, parents should complete the Early Childhood Interest Form and request a developmental screening from PAT by calling (417) 523-1333.

ALL Early Childhood programs require the following for enrollment:

• Child's birth certificate or passport

• Proof of residence (utility bill, lease, etc)

• Child's current immunization record

• Student Health Inventory 

• SPS Online Enrollment Application

• Parent/guardian photo ID

Each school and early childhood center has their own arrival and dismissal procedures.  School staff will make every effort to inform you of these processes prior to your child's first day of school.   It is very important that your child is dropped off and picked up on time each day.

At dismissal, your child will be released into the care of the child's custodial parent/guardian or to an adult listed on the emergency contact form.  In order for someone not listed as a guardian to pick up your child from school, the teacher must be notified in writing in advance or the parent must call giving the name and description of the person and the time they will arrive for the child.  A state ID or drivers license will be required for your child to be released.  This policy is for your child's safety.

Your child should be at school on time every day.  If your child must be absent, call the school office before the preschool session begins to report the absence. Now is the time to develop good school habits because there is a direct relationship between school attendance and achievement, citizenship, and success in school. 

Springfield Public Schools has set a goal of 95% attendance for every student.  Every minute missed is a missed opportunity for students to learn, grow, and achieve and preschool is the perfect time to establish good attendance habits.

Students in our program are learning how to interact with other children.  There are times when children use physical-means to communicate with others (i.e. hitting, kicking, etc.).  While this is not a desirable behavior, it is age-appropriate and we will work with families to teach children how to communicate appropriately to share their frustrations and how to request help.   Parents will be asked to work with our program to ensure safety of all individuals and to teach new skills.

If your address, email address, or phone number change, you must inform your child's teacher and/or school secretary.  It is vital that we have the most current contact information available at all times.