What is Preschool Early Intervention?

The Preschool Early Intervention Program of the Berks County Intermediate Unit (BCIU) is a public special education service provided to children, 3 to 5, who are experiencing a delay in development.

BCIU is made aware of a child through a referral from a person who has regular contact with the child — parent, day care teacher, physician, or other professional. Once a referral is received, a child is screened and evaluated in several developmental areas. If a child is eligible, he or she will receive appropriate educational services. These services are provided at no cost through federal and state funds.

What are my child's rights?

Eligible students have certain rights and protections under special education law. Those rights ensure that students who need special education services will continue to receive them as they progress through the public school system.

Eligibility for preschool special education services marks the beginning of a child's public school career. Once a child is found eligible for special education services, eligibility continues until a re-evaluation determines that the child no longer needs special education.

How is my child evaluated?

Screening
Once a referral is made, the family participates in screening activities designed to gather information about the student's development in several areas:

• cognitive and learning skills
• large- and small-motor skills
• self-help skills
• social skills
• speech and language skills

Families complete questionnaires, surveys, and checklists that provide information about the student's development. This information is used to determine if further evaluation is necessary.

Evaluation
Students who do not meet basic developmental standards for their age level are offered an
evaluation. Parents must give permission for the evaluation to be completed and participate as a partner in the evaluation process. The results of the evaluation are compiled into a written evaluation report.

To be eligible for preschool special education services, a child must have a qualifying disability or 25% developmental delay and need specially designed instruction to participate in a preschool setting. A student who is found eligible for services is re-evaluated at least every two years to determine continued eligibility.

What is an IEP?

If a child has been determined to be eligible for special education services, an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is developed. The IEP outlines the student's goals and adaptations to the preschool curriculum, content, and delivery of instruction needed to support the goals. It indicates the level and location of services to be provided. The IEP is reviewed and revised at least annually.

What services are provided to my child?

Preschool special education services are provided in a variety of ways and locations. The services recommended for each student are tailored to meet the individual student's needs and occur in the least restrictive educational setting in which the student's needs can be met.

Services may be provided in a specialized setting or in a typical preschool setting, such as Head Start, a community-based preschool, a child care setting, or in the home for medically fragile students, or a combination of settings. Children may receive services as part of a large or small group, or individually. BCIU attempts to provide services at various convenient sites located throughout Berks County.

Employment Opportunities

We have positions available if you are interested in becoming a part of the BCIU Early Intervention team. If you enjoy making a difference in the lives of children and families, please check the employment opportunities section of our site.

For more information, please contact Deb Kohler at 610-987-8562 or debkoh@berksiu.org.