Our son participated in the state's educational services from a very young age. The first program we participated in was Early Intervention Services. I believe Early Intervention is available to any child from birth to age 3 who has not / or who is expected to not meet developmental milestones due to a medical condition. Although we did not have a diagnosis we were able to qualify because Noah's doctor reported that Noah had a speech delay due to multiple ear infections. This program does receive state funding, but it is not free. The cost of the program is determined by your family's income. I think Noah started this program around 18 months.
I was directed to the program by a parent with a child in the special needs community. At that point I didn't even consider our situation "special needs," but I'm glad I applied. I was told by a my sons ENT that we "should not apply" because we "would not qualify". This just goes to show what a wonderful resource parents are. Parents are self taught experts on available services and treatments for their kids.
Once we got accepted to the Early Intervention Program they evaluated us and we qualified for physical therapy, occupational therapy, and playgroup. Noah loved the one on one attention he received from his therapists, and the playgroup was awesome! Playgroup was great mommy & me time. It was structured with play time, song time, snack time, and story time. He loved it, and I loved the opportunity to meet other moms and dads who were dealing with similar struggles. It was such an awesome experience, I wish there was something like that available all of my children.
Another great thing about Early Intervention is that when your child turns 3 they arrange for you to be evaluated for Preschool Services. As a parent of a special needs child you always have a long list of things to research. I found it really refreshing to have someone point me in a direction for a change. If your child continues to qualify they will help you set up your individualized education plans, and other services that will follow your child through school. (These services are fully funded, and are free for those who qualify)
The state funded preschool program can be a wonderful experience for your child. The preschool is an inclusive environment which means your child with be educated with their non disabled peers. I believe that working with peers of all different abilities is a positive experience. It educates the kids about diversity and acceptance as well as giving them a sense self awareness and offering them the opportunity to serve others.
On my last visit to my son's school I was touched to see him serving another child by pushing her wheelchair into the classroom. My son has low muscle tone and physical activity is difficult for him. There have been many times when his muscles weren't strong enough and he needed assistance climbing stairs, playing on a jungle gym, or trying to ride a bike. What an amazing experience it is for him to able to be the aid. It almost makes me cry. I love that all the kids have a chance to shine here. Every child has something valuable to offer their peers.
State funded programs are wonderful if you get good educators and workers. Unfortunately, if your teacher is burnt out, or your worker is apathetic, you are stuck with them based on where you live. It's good idea to get into the classroom and observe your child's services. This way you can know if you should be seeking additional or alternative treatments for your child. In general I think the experience was good for my son. His teacher, Miss Holly, at North Point Elementary school was wonderful. She really understands and cares for her students. She see their strengths through their disabilities and helps them excel.
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