Gladys, Kiner, Disability Coordinator
FCMI

Shelia Newton, Special Education Director
Kemper County School District

We meet to discuss the special education services provided for children and families at the DeKalb Head Start Center during the 2016/2017 school year. Ms. Newton was commended for the timely services rendered to our children and families. All services were provided the Head Start Center. She spoke very proudly about the respectful working relationship she and her staff have with the Head Start Staff. The following items were also discussed:
Child Find Efforts-Recruitment for Head Start
A copy of the agency Child Find Letter was forward to Ms. Newton during the month of April. She replied confirming receipt of the letter. The letter was displayed in a visible location.
According to Ms. Newton, the Early Intervention Program has referred several preschool …show more content…
Newton employed a speech/language therapist to provide services only to preschool aged children. She wanted to make certain the speech/language screeners were completed within the 45 calendar day period, preschoolers were evaluated/services rendered in a timely manner.
However, Ms. Newton was under the impression that each year all enrollees, inclusive of returning enrollees had to be screened. It was explained to that only new enrollee’s receives the speech/language screeners, meeting the 45 calendar day’s deadline
During the 2016/2017 school year, all disabled enrollees received special education services at the center 2 x’s per week. Staring the fall of 2017, only those children with severe speech/language and or developmental delayed will receive services 2 x’s per- week. Otherwise, services will be provided once per-week. The change in services are due to budget cuts.
Ms. Newton will assist in dual services if needed, for example:
 Transportation for disabled enrollees
 Occupation and/ or physical therapy, if needed,