Early Childhood Special Education

Division of Elementary and Secondary Education

Office of Special Education

Red circle local log that says Early Childhood Special Education.

Who are we?

The Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) program is responsible for ensuring that a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) is provided to all three- to five-year-old children with disabilities ages in Arkansas as outlined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This includes children who have hearing and/or vision difficulties as their primary disability or in conjunction with other delays.

View Full Website Here: https://dese.ade.arkansas.gov/Offices/special-education/early-childhood-special-education

What services do we provide?

The ECSE program ensures a Free Appropriate Public Education under the IDEA by developing an Individual Education Program (IEP). The IEP is developed by an interdisciplinary team that includes the parent and is designed to meet the child's individual needs in accessing a public education. The Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team determines what services and supports are included.

The cover of the Family Guide to Special Education in Arkansas. It has a picture of a mom, dad, and two children on the front.

Who do we provide services for?

In order to be eligible for services, children will be evaluated based on one of the identified eligibility categories for children aged three to five in Arkansas. This includes children who have hearing and/or vision difficulties as their primary disability or in conjunction with other delays.