ARESC   

Early Childhood

The Arkansas River Education Service Cooperative, Early Childhood Special Education Program is a mandated special education program that provides services for children ages three to five with identified disabilities. Services are offered in accordance with the individuals with Disabilities Education Act, 1197 (IDEA) on behalf of the local school districts. Services include screening, evaluation, preschool instruction, speech therapy, physical therapy, and occupational therapy. Services are provided and delivered through a free and appropriate public education which may include interaction with peers who are developing normally, coordination with other agencies, public school classrooms, day care centers, head start centers, itinerant based settings and home based instruction. These services are provided at no cost to the family. A child may be eligible for special services if he/she is age three to five and is experiencing difficulties which interfere with normal development in these areas: language, vision, hearing, motor skills, self-help skills, cognitive skills, and social skills. Special education due process procedures are followed for all children in the Early Childhood Special Education Program. The Program is monitored by the Arkansas Department of Education, Special Education Division.

For more information regarding programs available for a preschool child who is experiencing difficulties contact the Early Childhood Office at 870-534-0135. REMEMBER; The earlier you recognize your child's special needs and seek help, the better the possibilities are for your child to improve and be prepared for future school success.

Early Childhood Trainings Available:

These trainings are available to all Centers working with children ages three to five.