Boise School District
Special Educational Services

 Early Childhood Special Education

3-5 year old

The Boise School District Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) program provides services to children 3-5 years old, who qualify for special education services. Our goal is to better prepare children for school and reduce the need for special education services once they begin kindergarten or first grade. 

There is no cost to parents for special education services provided through the District. 

Special education services are provided at sites throughout the Boise School District. 

The special education staff encourages parents and families to be involved in the education of their child.  Early childhood special education teachers, speech/language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, school psychologists, and instructional assistants provide instruction and therapy.    

Philosophy

Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) adopts the philosophy that every child is unique with an individual pattern of growth and development.  ECSE is provided in or near the neighborhood school.  The program goals, curriculum and materials are developmentally appropriate and geared to the differing ability levels of each child.  Children attending the ECSE classroom are provided a high quality program, and a safe and nurturing environment which promotes and integrates the cognitive, communication, physical, social, emotional, and self-help areas of development through classroom activities. 

Developmental Screening

We offer developmental screenings to children 3 to 5 years old who reside in the Boise School District attendance boundaries.  Call to arrange an appointment if you suspect your child has possible delays in one or more of the following areas:

Concepts	Social/Emotional Development
Speech	Self-help Skills
Language	Hearing
Motor Skills	Vision

To make an appointment call:
Madison Early Childhood Center at 854-5520

Once the screening is completed and a delay is suspected, arrangements may be made to conduct further evaluations.   

Determination of Eligibility

Upon the completion of further evaluations, results will be shared with parents.  If a child meets the criteria for special education services as outline by the Idaho State Department of Education, then the team will discuss appropriate educational placement and programming options. 

                                                            Head Start