What Is Preschool Special Education?

Preschool Special Education helps children with developmental delays and disabilities achieve the best outcomes later in life. The services are available for children ages three to five.

Preschool Special Education services help children grow across the four main areas of development.

These areas are:

•     Motor (physical)
•     Communication and Language
•     Social and Emotional
•     Cognitive

Local school districts provide Preschool Special Education services. Children may be eligible for services if they are not able to learn, speak or play like other children who are the same age. If you have concerns about your child’s development, refer the child through Help Me Grow at 1-866-693-4769 (GROW) or helpmegrowmn.org.

The information included within the referral will be automatically sent to the school district based on where the child and family live.

Once a referral is made, local school staff will contact you to learn more about your concerns and determine if an evaluation is needed. Evaluations are offered free of cost, and must happen within 30 schools days after receiving parent/guardian written permission to evaluate.

If a child is eligible for services, school staff and the child’s family will work together to develop a personalized service plan. This is called an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Instructional and therapy services may be included as part of an IEP. Children typically receive services in a child care setting or local preschool program.

The resource below provides more details about Preschool Special Education in Minnesota:

• Minnesota Department of Education: education.state.mn.us