Early Childhood Special Education

Consistent with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), all school districts have an obligation to identify and serve children with disabilities, aged 3 and older. The Bozeman Public Schools offers a full continuum of educational services for children with disabilities, aged 3-5, as part of an Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) program. This continuum may include speech, occupational and/or physical therapy, outreach and consultation support with families and community preschool providers, center-based classroom supports, and inclusive services within a Running Start Kindergarten classroom. ECSE services are available to all eligible children within the district, at no cost to families. Center-based classrooms are located at Whittier and Hyalite Elementary Schools.

Eligibility for ECSE services is determined through an evaluation process to determine whether a child meets state and federal criteria as a child with a disability and shows a need for specially designed instruction. A child must be found eligible under one or more of the follow areas:

• Developmental Delay
• Autism
• Deafness
• Hearing Impairment
• Visual Impairment
• Orthopedic Impairment
• Emotional Disturbance
• Traumatic Brain Injury
• Specific Learning Disability
• Cognitive Disability
• Speech/Language impairment
• Other Health Impairment

Developmental screenings for children with suspected disabilities may be scheduled at any time in the school year. Screening information, along with developmental history and other parent-provided information are then used to determine the need for a comprehensive eligibility evaluation.

For more information on Early Childhood Special Education screening and services, please contact our Elementary Special Education Coordinator at 406-581-5382.