Early Childhood Special Education
The White River Valley Supervisory Union is interested in preschool age children (birth-5) who demonstrate a developmental delay in the areas of speech/language, social adjustment, adaptive behavior, self-care, gross/fine motor coordination, and/or cognitive development. These children are entitled to receive an education, regardless of handicap, at public expense. It is possible that the White River Valley Supervisory Union may not be aware of all handicapped children who are eligible.
If you know of a child living in the towns of Bethel, Chelsea, Granville or Hancock, Rochester, Royalton, Sharon, Strafford, Stockbridge, or Tunbridge, who might be eligible for educational services and is not in school, please contact: Annette Rhoades, Director of Special Services of the WRVSU at (802)-763-3865.
ECSE services are provided to children in a variety of ways and across a variety of settings. This may include providing services in some or all of these settings:
public early childhood (Pre-K) classrooms,
community-based early childhood programs,
other separate settings,
ECSE staff work with families and their professional team to plan and coordinate services, and to provide documentation as required by law.
ECSE staff include:
Teachers with Agency of Education educator license, with an endorsement in early childhood special education (ECSE)
Service providers may include:
Specialists such as occupational and physical therapists, mental health practitioners, speech and language pathologists, psychologists, and others with special knowledge and skills in working with young children
Paraprofessionals who work with a classroom or an individual child. Their education often includes college coursework, an Associate Degree in related field or a Bachelor Degree.
Other public school staff such as principals, guidance counselors and consultants may also work with the ECSE team.
Special Services Professional Description
Early Childhood Special Education services are provided to children with developmental delays or disabilities who are between the ages of 3 to 6 years old by their local school district In Vermont. These services are mandated by federal and state law. ‘Child Find’ requires school districts to locate and identify children who may be suspected of having a developmental delay or disability. If the child is found eligible, they may receive services from their local school district. ECSE services are individualized to meet each child’s educational needs.