Early Childhood Special Education
Early Childhood Special Education serves children, ages 3 to 5, who demonstrate delays in development and qualify for an Individual Education Program (IEP) under the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
No income guidelines apply to the Early Childhood Special Education Program. It is funded through local, state, and federal dollars.
Services
Developmental screenings and evaluations
Development of Individual Education Program (IEP)
Individually-designed instruction based on childs' strengths and needs
Occupational therapy, speech/language therapy and physical therapy
Parent training and support
Transition to elementary schools when kindergarten eligible
Service Options
Preschool classes
Consultation to community preschool settings
Outpatient therapy
Class Options for Children Receiving Individual Education Program Services
There are a number of different classroom options for Early Childhood Special Education. These class options are free to children who qualify for an Individual Education Program.
Classes are taught by teachers credentialed in Early Childhood Special Education. Class size ranges from 8 to 14 children, including children with an Individual Education Program and some children attending as Community Friends, who provide peer modeling in language and social/emotional skills. Children may attend class two to four half-day sessions per week.
Morning class: Monday - Thursday, 8:15 to 11:15 am
Afternoon class: Monday - Thursday, 12:15 to 3:15 pm
Free Developmental Screenings
Developmental Screenings are available free of charge for children ages 3 to 6 residing in the Bismarck Public School District. Children are screened in the areas of motor, cognition, speech/language, and social/emotional development. Call the BECEP office at 701-323-4400 to schedule a developmental screening.