Key Concepts in Early Childhood Special Education

Early Intervention

This is another name for Birth to Three Early Childhood Special Education Services.

Assessment

An evaluation of an individual's strengths, weaknesses, and developmental needs to determine appropriate interventions and support.

Nondiscriminatory

Screening and diagnostic tests compatible with a child's native language and culture.

Giftedness

Evidence of superior or unusual ability in areas such as intellect, creativity, artistic talent, physical agility, or leadership.

Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)

This means that children should be educated in the environment most like the educational environment of their peers who are typically developing, where the child can be successful with appropriate supports in place.

Interdisciplinary Team

Refers to several different professionals working together on a common problem.

Compensatory Education

Educational programs designed for children who are disadvantaged to provide them with some of the opportunities that advantaged children have.

Integration

Children with disabilities and typically developing children are enrolled in the same program.

Cumulative deficits

This is adding to a certain developmental problem that isn't treated right away and will continue to get worse if not treated.

People-first language/ terminology

In referring to people with disabilities, language that speaks of the person first and then the disability.

Landmark Legislation

A turning important point in or an entirely new approach to public policy.

Part C

Part C of IDEIA focuses on special education funding from birth to 3 years of age.

Part B

Part B of IDEIA focuses on special education funding from 3-21 years of age.

Related Services

Services which are not typically part of early childhood education, yet are important to early childhood special education models. They include psychology, speech language pathology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and social work.

FAPE

Free and Appropriate Public Education. This has been a term which has been a part of the IDEA legislation.

Child Find

A IDEA program to help recognize children with developmental issues.

IDEIA

Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (P.L. 108-446) provides federal funds for early childhood special education intervention.

Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP)

(similar to an IEP) describes services for very young children with disabilities and their families.

Individualized Educational Plan (IEP)

A plan or program developed to ensure a child with a disability is attending an elementary or secondary education institution and receive specialized instruction and services.