Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) provides services for children from three years to kindergarten age who qualify for services due to developmental delay or categorical disability. Children in ECSE have disabilities that significantly impact their developmental progress. Services provided are based on the unique special education need of each child.

The focus of Oregon’s Early Childhood Special Education program is on:

  • Teaching the child needed skills in areas of developmental delay,
  • Preparing the child for a school setting, and,
  • Incorporating intervention strategies into the child’s day.
  • Connecting families to community resources specialists and therapists.

ECSE services are determined by the IFSP team. Services include specially designed instruction and related services such as occupational, physical, and speech therapy. Services are often provided at community preschools, childcare facilities, or designated sites. Level of services in each of these options vary and are based on the needs of the child and family.