Preschool Special Education

Information on obtaining Special Education Program Approval and Individual Program Approval (IPA).

  • Serving children ages 3-5
  • Individualized Education plans
  • Early Childhood Transitions
  • Initiatives include:

New Hampshire has a long history of providing a free, appropriate public education to children with disabilities, ages 3-5. By federal and state law, local school districts must work with families and community partners to find, identify and serve children who are eligible for special education and related services so that services can begin by the child's third birthday. An Individualized Education Program is developed for each eligible child based on that child's strengths and needs. Placements may include the child's home, local private or public preschool/kindergartens, or Head Start programs. Sometimes, the placement is in a special education program or even in a separate approved special education program or residential facility.

Desired Results Developmental Profile (DRDP) Pilot 

The DRDP is an authentic assessment that is designed to capture and document children’s strengths across developmental domains to inform curriculum development and individualized learning. The NHED will be piloting this tool with a group of preschool and kindergarten programs for the 2022-2023 school year to evaluate the potential use of the tool for documenting Preschool Outcomes for IDEA as well as an available Kindergarten Readiness Assessment moving forward. Interested districts should submit an application and participation agreement to Stacey MacStravic at stacey.a.macstravic1@doe.nh.gov 

Early Childhood Transitions

The transition from Family Centered Early Supports and Services (ESS) to preschool special education and other community services is a time of change. Change usually causes stress. We can reduce this stress and make transition a positive experience for all involved by working as a team of families, preschools, early supports and services, and all other early care and education staff working with the family.

If you have any concerns about your child, or have any questions about Preschool Special Education in your area use the following contact list. Once downloaded press CTRL+F and you will be able to search by town or SAU for a Preschool Special Education Contact Person or Special Education Administrator in New Hampshire.

Contacts

Preschool
Vacant
Education Consultant
Preschool Children ages 3-5