Early Childhood Special Education Program
Milford School District Early Childhood Special Education Program
Milford's Early Childhood Special Education/Pre-K Program is licensed by the DE Office of Child Care Licensing (OCCL), and all staff are DEEDs certified via the DE Department of Education. Our program follows the inclusion model, meaning children with and without disabilities are included in our classrooms and are engaging in activities side-by-side, all day, every day. According to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the Division for Early Childhood (DEC), “Early childhood inclusion embodies the values, policies, and practices that support the right of every infant and young child and his or her family, regardless of ability, to participate in a broad range of activities and contexts as full members of families, communities, and society. The desired results of inclusive experiences for children with and without disabilities and their families include a sense of belonging and membership, positive social relationships and friendships, and development and learning to reach their full potential. The defining features of inclusion that can be used to identify high quality early childhood programs and services are access, participation, and supports.”
Our classrooms have a lead teacher, paraeducators, and the support of occupational, physical, and speech/language therapists. Student to staff ratios in each classroom follow OCCL regulations. Itinerant service providers, who are teachers and therapists, work with children with identified disabilities at community preschools, child care centers, and Head Start centers.
Child Development Resources:
CDC - Child Development Basics: The CDC offers recommendations, resources, and information about early childhood development.
The early years of a child’s life are very important for their health and development. Healthy development means that children of all abilities, including those with special health care needs, are able to grow up where their social, emotional and educational needs are met. Having a safe and loving home and spending time with family―playing, singing, reading, and talking―are very important. Proper nutrition, exercise, and sleep also can make a big difference.
Birth to Three: Early Intervention Program: The Birth to Three Early Intervention Program helps families meet the needs of their infant or toddler with a significant developmental delay or disability. Referrals can be made by a parent, physician, childcare provider, family member, or anyone else concerned about a child’s development.
Between birth and age 3, infants reach many developmental milestones. If your child is not reaching these milestones, or reaching them much later than other children, it could be a sign of a developmental delay. Fortunately, help is available.
Birth to Age 5: Delaware Department of Education offers early learning resources, childcare resources, child care and special education information.
