Early Childhood Services
Parents... Are you concerned about the development of your young child?
Many children are born with or acquire conditions that can delay their normal growth and development. Fortunately, many of these conditions can be improved if parents recognize the problem early and seek help. These conditions may impact a child’s vision, speech/language, motor skills, socialization, thinking or hearing.
If you suspect your child may have developmental delays, the Papillion-La Vista School District can provide services that focus on his or her unique needs.
The District offers comprehensive services for infants, toddlers, and preschool age children who have disabilities. The Papillion- La Vista School District is committed to providing developmentally appropriate opportunities for children to learn and grow in a safe, stimulating, and nurturing environment, using research based practices.
Referral Information
What if I suspect my child has a disability?
You can contact the Papillion-La Vista School District at 537-6222.
If your child has turned three years of age, by October 15, you will be sent a parent questionnaire to complete and return. If your child is not yet three years, by October 15, a service coordinator will contact you and set up a meeting to discuss your concerns.
What will happen when I refer my child?
Your child may undergo an evaluation. The evaluation team could consist of an occupational therapist, physical therapist, speech/language pathologist, school psychologist, early childhood special education teacher, and/or vision, hearing, or assistive technology specialist depending on the nature of the referral.
Following the completion of the evaluation, the team will meet with you to discuss the results.
If your child is determined to be eligible, the team will develop an IEP. The IEP is based on the needs of your child. In the IEP the most appropriate placement will be determined as well as any necessary related services. Your input is very important when developing your child’s IEP.
What is the Eligibility?
- Birth to five years of age.
Children are eligible if they have delays in development that may reslut from, but are not limited to:
- Hearing impairments
- Vision impairments
- Behavioral disorders
- Both deafness and blindness
- Health impairments
- Developmental Delays
- Speech/Language impairments
- Physical disabilities
- Autism
- Traumatic brain injury
Children who have a disability and reside in the Papillion-La Vista School District are eligible for preschool services beginning at birth.
Transportation is provided for three and four year old children. For more information on the Special Education program, please call the District Special Services office at (402) 537-6222.
Services offered through the Papillion-La Vista School District
Birth to 3 Years of Age
Birth to 3 services are available for all infants and toddlers who meet NDE Rule 51 verification criteria. These services are provided in a child’s natural environment - home, daycare, or wherever the child spends the majority of their day.
Children Ages 3 - 5
Speech Therapy
Speech therapy is available to children ages 3-5 years who demonstrate difficulty being understood. To qualify for services, a child’s error sounds and overall intelligibility must be taken into consideration. The frequency of services is determined by the child’s Individual Education Program (IEP) team.
Language Group
If a child has a language delay that may interfere with their ability to participate independently in developmentally appropriate activities, they may be recommended for language group. Language group meets weekly and is facilitated by a speech/language pathologist and early childhood special education teacher. Children who demonstrate a need for this program will have the opportunity to enhance their language skills through structured activities in a small group educational setting. Within this model, parents have the opportunity to take their kids to any community preschool, parent’s day out or other venue, and the language group will come to that venue. This allows children the opportunity to apply learned skills in their natural settings.
Community-Based Services
If a child between the ages of 3-5 years is attending a community program (daycare, preschool, Head Start, parents day out) the educational team may consider the option of community-based services. The IEP team will designate a service provider. That provider will travel to the community site, according to the frequency established by the IEP team, and will work with the community provider to facilitate the child’s continued development.
District Preschool
District-sponsored preschool programs are designed to meet the needs of children ages 3-5 who demonstrate significant delays in development, or children who demonstrate certain factors that put them “at risk” for future development. Delays in development may include communication, fine or gross motor skills, social/behavior, cognitive, adaptive/self-help skills and possibly delays resulting from medical/genetic factors. Risk factors may include eligibility for free/reduced lunch, single-parent home, and English Language Learner (non-English speaking home).
The classroom staff consists of a certified early childhood teacher and paraprofessionals. Based on student needs, related services (occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech/language therapy, vision, hearing, assistive technology services) are provided in the classroom as outlined by their IEP. These programs are located in various elementary schools throughout the District and are offered in half-day sessions, Monday through Friday in accordance with the Papillion-La Vista School District calendar.