ÁñÁ«ÊÓÆÁ

Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE)

Ages 3-5 

Ages 3-5 (not in kindergarten)

Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) is a state and federally mandated program for young children with disabilities ages 3 through 5 and not enrolled in kindergarten. Eligible children with disabilities, are entitled to receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE) under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part B, Section 619 in the least restrictive environment (LRE) in accordance with their individual needs. Children who meet eligibility criteria may receive ECSE services in a variety of settings such as a pre-kindergarten classroom, in the home, or in community settings such as Head Start and pre-school. In Texas, services for eligible children with disabilities ages 3-5 and not in kindergarten are provided free of charge through the public-school system.

State Resources  

Below are state resources for students with disabilities ages 3-5:   

°Õ³ó±ð Early Transition Memorandum of Understanding defines roles and responsibilities between the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC), Early Childhood Intervention (ECI), and the ÁñÁ«ÊÓÆÁ within state and federal mandates. It coordinates an effective system of procedures between ECI and the ÁñÁ«ÊÓÆÁ which guide and support transition services for families of children with disabilities who are approaching age three. 

Consult , the Texas Special Education Information Center. This is a resource backed by ÁñÁ«ÊÓÆÁ to inform and support parents, teachers, and anyone committed to the success of children with disabilities.

Phone: 1-855-SPEDTEX (1-855-773-3839)

National Resources

Below are national resources for students with disabilities ages 3-5:   

• °Õ³ó±ð  supports the implementation of the early childhood provisions of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The center's mission is to strengthen service systems to ensure that children with disabilities (birth through five) and their families receive and benefit from high quality, culturally appropriate, and family-centered supports and services. 
• The promotes policies and advances evidence-based practices that support families and enhance the optimal development of young children (0-8) who have or are at risk for developmental delays and disabilities.

Federal Policy

Below are related links to federal policy for students with disabilities ages 3-5:   

• Dear Colleague Letter on Preschool Least Restrictive Environment
• Dear Colleague Letter on Response to Intervention (RTI) and Preschool Services