BCSS is committed to providing an education that appropriately meets the needs of each student. BCSS staff engage in age-appropriate Child Find activities that locate, evaluate, and identify students who are in need of special education services.
A variety of tools and strategies are used to gather information to determine whether or not a student is eligible for special education. The evaluation process establishes whether or not a child has an exceptionality (disability or giftedness) and has a need for special education and related services according to the Kansas Eligibility Indicators. Students must meet two criteria to be enrolled in special education:
Does the student have a disability?
Does the student need specially designed instruction in order to benefit from the general education curriculum?
**Please note that multiple factors are weighed when determining whether a student is eligible for special-education services. Undergoing an evaluation does not automatically mean a child will qualify.
Sunflower Early Education Center (EEC) houses Tiny-k Infant-Toddler Services. Sunflower’s Tiny-K program serves children with developmental delays and/or disabilities from birth to age 3. Our tiny-k services are available at no cost to children in Barton, Pawnee, Rice, Rush, and Stafford counties. The mission of infant-toddler services is to enhance the capacity of parents to help their child reach his/her fullest potential by overcoming or lessening identified delays before preschool.
Programs are individualized. Sunflower assess skills and provide intervention in six developmental areas: fine motor, gross motor, adaptive (self-help), cognitive, speech and language communication, and social/social-emotional skills. Family service coordination (FSC) is also available to assist with family needs and to provide effective parenting strategies.
Once a child is evaluated, Sunflower works with the parents to develop the IFSP (Individual Family Service Plan). These plans are designed to target the strengths and needs of the family working with their child. The family's choice along with the child's individual needs help determine the selection of services.
Sunflower'sinfant-toddler services are provided by a team of professional staff including early childhood special education (ECSE) teachers, speech-language pathologists, physical therapists, an occupational therapist, and a Spanish translator.
Infant-toddler services are offered in your child’s natural environment, which includes at home, daycare or preschool, or a community setting such as a park or library.
Early intervention is critical for children who have developmental delays. BCSS conducts child find screenings for children ages 3-5, not kindergarten eligible, within the cooperative area throughout the year to screen for potential delays in the areas of cognition, communication, fine/gross motor, and social skills. School staff members and parents work together to determine how to best meet a child’s needs.
Eligibility for services is determined through screening and evaluation for special education eligibility. If you have a concern about your child’s development, please contact Barton County Special Services at 620-793-1550 or email shelly.post@usd428.net.
The screening consists of collecting data on current levels of functioning in the following areas of development:
Cognitive – problem-solving and pre-academic skills
Communication – articulation, receptive and expressive language
Fine Motor – small motor movements involving hands and feet
Gross Motor – large motor movements involving the whole body or arms and legs
Social Skills - interaction with staff and peers
Hearing
Vision
Students aged 5 to 21, including those who are highly mobile, migrant, and/or homeless, may be referred for special education evaluation by school personnel when a disability is suspected. Parents are notified and play an integral part in the process. Parents may also request a referral for a special education evaluation. The need for special education and related services is determined in consultation with parents at each building site. Parents are encouraged to contact their child’s building personnel with concerns about their child’s progress.
Further information about referrals for special education services is available by contacting the school psychologist at your child’s school or by calling Barton County Special Services at 620-793-1550.
Sunflower Early Education Center (EEC) houses Tiny-k Infant-Toddler Services. Sunflower’s Tiny-K program serves children with developmental delays and/or disabilities from birth to age 3.
Child Find clinics are held monthly for children 3-5 years old, not kindergarten eligible, during the school year to screen children and determine if further evaluation is needed. Children are screened on an appointment basis. Contact Barton County Special Services at 620-793-1550 or email shelly.post@usd428.net
For children ages 5-21 years old, referrals for special education services may be available by contacting your child's attendance building and visiting with the principal or school psychologist. You can also call Barton County Special Services at 620-793-1550 or email ashley.riley@usd428.net.