Many preschoolers start to show signs that they are developmentally delayed. When they do, Parents are often in a panic about what to do. This is one of the primary reasons for special education services. Your child may have some specific needs or care that can not be provided by the regular classroom settings found in public schools. That said, where is the parent supposed to turn to find these special education services? More importantly, what is out there for your child?

One of the first lines of defense in making sure your child is cared for properly in this area is your pediatrician. Your child’s doctor is familiar with all of their history, and can often make a basic assessment of the child’s needs in special education and so on. Talk with your pediatrician and ask for resources if you have a concern about any of these things. Your pediatrician can be a huge mountain of information for you in this area, and they certainly can put you in touch with others that can help.

Another great resource is the school system. While many Parents are resistant to this option, the school system is loaded with resources, options and help for parents who are unsure where to turn with their preschooler. Simply inquire with the school if you have a question about special education for your son or daughter. Many times, the school is the first to notice the need for these special education options. It is important to listen to the teacher in these areas, as they are experts and spend the most educational time with your preschooler.

Familiarize yourself with all the programs available. Special education programs seem to change annually, and what was available last year may not be this year. Also, new programs are added all the time. Contact your school district office to find the person to inform you of these programs. Let them know you have a preschooler that may or may not need the services, and they may even assess the child for you. These meetings are not uncommon, and it is very important to recognize these problems early on. Often, children who are in need of special education services in elementary school, do not need the services later in their schooling.

Prepare for all meetings, and make sure you bring pertinent medical and milestone records. That is, if you had any pregnancy problems, or other health problems that could have effected your child, it is imperative that you reveal this to the special education evaluators. Additionally, they will want to know what ages the child reached certain milestones such as walking, talking, crawling, etc. It is important to keep detailed records so that you can easily transition your child from therapist to therapist. These positions change and it is not uncommon for you to work with many different people. This is particularly true if your child uses special education programs for an extended period. Great record keeping will be a lifesaver to every new person involved. This will only enhance the special education services that your child receives.

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