Early Intervention Services for Children Ages Birth to 3
Blair Community Schools offers early intervention services for children ages birth to age three designed to meet the developmental needs of each eligible child and the needs of the family related to enhancing the child's development. Early intervention can help you and your family support and promote your child’s development, within your family activities and community life.
The term “early” intervention is important because research shows that the first three years are the most important time for learning in a child's life. Providing developmental supports and services early improves a child's ability to develop and learn. Also, it may prevent or decrease the need for special help later. The goal of early intervention in Nebraska is to “open a window of opportunity” for families to help their children with special needs develop to their full potential.
Every child is unique. Differences in the rate of development can be expected. However, there are some guidelines to help families and professionals determine how a child compares with others their age. Use the new "Staying on Track" app to track your child's progress and to also gain helpful information on early childhood development. This mobile application is available for free on Google Play and iTunes. Get the app here.
If the family doctor or parents have concerns regarding the child’s development, parents may:
1. Call the Education Service Unit #3, In Omaha, 402-597-4936. Tell the secretary, Patti, the concerns for the child. A Services Coordinator
will contact the family and make an appointment to visit at the home. The Services Coordinator will explain the evaluation procedures, which includes gathering information from the doctor and
any other necessary source.
2. The Services Coordinator will arrange for a home visit with a representative from the Blair Community Schools for the intake information and a parent interview. A member of the team will contact the family to make an appointment to complete the evaluation.
3. A meeting will be held to conclude the evaluation process. This is called a Multidisciplinary Team meeting (MDT). If the child qualifies, an Individualized Family Services Plan (IFSP) will be developed to meet the child and family's needs.
If you have questions about Early Intervention Services or have concerns about your child's development, please contact the Administration Office at 402-426-2610.
Early Childhood Services for Children Ages 3 to 5
Blair Community Schools offers special education and related services for children ages three to five who have been determined to be eligible for services due to a verified disability.
If a child demonstrates language, speech or cognitive delays, parents may follow the steps below for a referral to the Blair Community Schools Evaluation Process. If you have concerns:
1. Call Administration Office (402-426-2610) and ask to make a referral for a preschool age child. You will be transferred to someone who can take your information. You will need to give the following information: child's name, parent's name, address, phone number, and date of birth. Explain the concern about the child's development. The child must sleep in the Blair School District in order for us to complete the evaluation. If the family lives in another school district, the family is to refer to that district for the evaluation process.
2. A Notice and Consent for Evaluation will be sent to the family. When the family signs and returns the permission form to to the Administration Office, providing consentt to evaluate, a school representative will contact the family for additional history and a convenient time for the evaluation.
3. After the evaluation, staff will review the results and an appointment will be made to share them with the family. The Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT), which includes the parents, will meet with the family to determine the recommendations.
4. If the MDT determines that the child is eligible for special education services, then an Individual Education Program (IEP) meeting will be held. At the IEP meeting, the team develops goals and determines the services necessary to meet the child's needs.
Special Education Services for Children Ages 5 to 21
Blair Community Schools offers special education and related services for children ages five to twenty-one who have been determined to be eligible for services due to a verified disability. The services provided are those that are identified in the student's Individual Education Program (IEP). Members of the IEP team, which includes the child's parents, meet at least annually to develop goals and determine the services necessary to meet the child's needs.