|  | |  | | | Birth to Three Program | | Yes, we begin at birth with students who can be identified that early as having developmental delays. These referrals can come from parents, but often come through the medical community, including public health. When a child is born with a syndrome known to cause developmental delays, the school becomes involved as soon as possible to provide that child with the learning strategies necessary to make progress in those early months of life. Other students are identified when some of the natural milestones such as walking or talking seem delayed. No matter how the child is determined to be in need, the goal is the same … early intervention.
Services to this age group are always provided in their natural environment, which is generally their home or day care. The staff includes early childhood educational specialists, occupational therapists, physical therapists and speech/language pathologists, as well as vision and hearing consultants. However, at this age the child’s greatest “teacher” is the parent, so parents are always a part of these services and, although the specialist works with the child, he or she is also “instructing” parents with regard to the strategies that will help their child.
Inver Grove Heights and South St. Paul cooperate to provide a Birth to Three Team who have their offices at Family Connections. If you have questions or concerns about a student in this age group, call Karen Sperl, Early Childhood Coordinator, at sperlk@invergrove.k12.mn.us or 651-306-7313.
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| | | | | | Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) | Karen Sperl
ECSE Lead Teacher
Inver Grove Heights Community Schools
sperlk@invergrove.k12.mn.us
(651) 306-7313 |
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