Families of Preschoolers

I Am Concerned About My Child's Development

Your child does not need to have a diagnosed disability to start the process of exploring options for their preschool education. A screening or referral can be made at any time if you are concerned about your child’s cognitive development, medical diagnosis, social interactions, learning, or if behavioral and disciplinary challenges arise.

• CDC Developmental Milestones

The Center for Disease Control has a website dedicated to supporting families in understanding the developmental milestones that occur from two months to age five of a child’s life. 

• New Hampshire Early Learning Standards

The New Hampshire Early Learning Standards are a valuable resource for anyone involved in the care and education of young children. They provide comprehensive information on children's development from birth to age five.

• Developmental Monitoring, Screening, and Child Find 

The early years of a child’s life are very important for healthy growth and development. Children meet different developmental milestones at different ages as they grow and each milestone matters! There are many things you can do to help your child grow and develop. Developmental screening takes a closer look at your child’s development to determine if additional support is needed. However, starting the screening process may bring up emotions and questions about expectations for typical development. If you have concerns about your child, consult with your pediatrician. You can also initiate the completion of a diagnostic screener through your local Child Find services. Child Find is a process offered by each district to determine if additional evaluations may be necessary. This system can help determine whether your child is eligible for special education services and guide you through next steps. Anyone ages 2.5 through 21 years old within a school district is eligible to be evaluated whether or not that child is homeschooled or enrolled in a private school. 

Contact your district for more information including the process and timeline for determination.

• Sample Letters and Forms

The Parent Information Center, PIC has developed sample referrals, reevaluations, and requests for Individual Education Program letters that can be a helpful starting place for seeking support for your child.
 

My Child Has A Disability. Where Can I Find Support?

Understanding My Child’s Disability

If you have questions about your child’s disability, key resources that you can use are:

• Your pediatrician
• Center for Parent Information & Resources
• National Organization of Rare Disorders
• NH Family Voices
• National Alliance on Mental Illness - New Hampshire
• Parent Information Center, PIC 

PIC is a statewide family organization that provides families and youth, with a focus on children/youth with disabilities/special health care needs, and the providers who serve them, with the knowledge and support they need to make informed decisions that enhance each child’s development and well-being. PIC achieves positive outcomes through partnerships with families, youth, educators, organizations, and others.

Family Centered Early Supports and Services

Family Centered Early Supports and Services (FCESS) is the Early Intervention program in New Hampshire. FCESS is a parent coaching model to help families and caregivers support the care of a child from the age of birth to three (0-3) years of age with a delay or disability. FCESS is run by the New Hampshire Department of Health and Human Services. To learn more visit Family Centered Early Support & Services. 

Preschool Special Education

Preschool special education is instruction that is specifically designed to meet the unique needs of a student with a disability at no cost to the parent. Preschool special education services are delivered between the ages of 3 years old through 5 years old. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a federal law that requires states to make free appropriate public education (FAPE) available to eligible children with disabilities throughout the nation and ensure special education and related services are provided to those children.

• The Basics: Understanding the Special Education Process in NH

This resource is a learning module developed by the PIC. The module covers the special education process and provides strategies for working with schools, parental rights, and other resources. 

• What is an IEP?

An IEP or Individual Education Program, informs the special education services that a child receives and determines the Least Restrictive Environment, (LRE), for a child’s education placements. LRE is a part of federal law that mandates children with disabilities should receive education services in a setting with non-disabled peers to the greatest extent possible. You are a critical member of your child’s IEP team and have parental rights throughout the evaluation and determination process. Not all children with disabilities have or require an IEP. Families can opt out of the IEP process. 

The IEP should support preschoolers “to be active and successful participants in home, school, and community settings resulting in positive outcomes for children and their families.” - NECTAC Workgroup on Principles and Practices for the IEP Process. 

• Early Childhood Transitions

Transitioning from Family Centered Early Supports and Services (FCESS) to preschool special education can be a challenging time for families and children. For access to the family transition guidebook and other resources around transitions including going to kindergarten, please visit the Early Childhood Transitions webpage.

• Outcome Measures

School districts are required to monitor the progress of children who qualify for preschool special education. Outcome Measures, often referred to as progress monitoring and assessment, is the process that determines whether a child ages 0-5 years old has shown growth in 1) positive social-emotional skills, 2) acquisition and use of knowledge and skills, and 3) use of appropriate behaviors to meet needs. Both the Family Centered Early Supports and Services (FCESS) program and preschool special education are responsible to report child progress through these outcomes. Multiple sources of information are used to determine progress toward outcomes including assessment tools and observations. As a family member, you should be involved in the process to share observations of your child related to these outcomes. 

Related Content

Preschool Special Education Contacts
Family Centered Early Supports and Services: A Guide for Families
The Basics: Understanding the Special Education Process in NH

Contact:

For information on New Hampshire Department of Education staff as well as preschool special education contacts in your town, district, or school administrative unit, please visit the main Preschool Special Education page.