DESCRIPTION
This module presents the topic of referring young children (ages birth-3 years) for early intervention (EI) screening and what this process might look like for referring young children (ages 3-6 years) to the local school district for a comprehensive evaluation. Providing accommodations to young children is also discussed.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

  • Become familiar with the agency and the child find process for referring young children ages birth-6 years (and older) for early intervention screening, services, and supports within your state and/or region.
  • Form a relationship with your local public school district and strive to understand their referral process for school-aged children (ages 3-6 years and older).
  • Familiarize yourself with a young child’s challenges and strive for ways to proactively problem solve ways to support the child by evaluating the classroom environment, learning activities, and materials.

HANDOUT
Referrals and Accommodations Handout

RESOURCES
Books
Brillante, P. (2020). The Essentials: Supporting Young Children with Disabilities in the Classroom. National Association for the Education of Young Children.

Brillante, P. & Nemeth, K. (2022). Universal Design for Learning in the Early Childhood Classroom : Teaching Children of All Languages, Cultures, and Abilities, Birth – 8 Years. Routledge.
      **Can be accessed free through the MLC Library

Lohmann, M.J. (2023). Creating Young Expert Learners: Universal Design for Learning in Preschool and Kindergarten. Redleaf Press.
      **Can be accessed free through the MLC Library

Articles
Breitfelder, L. M. (2008). Quick and Easy Adaptations and Accommodations for Early Childhood Students. Teaching Exceptional Children Plus, 4(5), n5.
Link to the article here.

Cross, L., Salazar, M. J., Dopson-Campuzano, N., & Batchelder, H. W. (2009). Best Practices and Considerations: Including Young Children with Disabilities in Early Childhood Settings. Focus on Exceptional Children, 41(8), 1.
Link to the article here.

Dragoo, K. E., & Cole, J. P. (2019). Laws Affecting Students with Disabilities: Preschool through Postsecondary Education. CRS Report R45595, Version 5. Congressional Research Service.
Link to the article here.

Grimone-Hopkins, J. & Mirtes, C. (2022). Planning for Individuality in Preschool Spaces. Teaching Young Children, 17(3).
Link to the article here.

Hovey, K. A., Gauvreau, A. N., & Lohmann, M. J. (2022). Providing Multiple Means of Action and Expression in the Early Childhood Classroom through a Universal Design for Learning framework. The Journal of Special Education Apprenticeship, 11(2), 7.
Link to the article here.

Lohmann, M. J., Hovey, K. A., & Gauvreau, A. N. (2018). Using a Universal Design for Learning Framework to Enhance Engagement in the Early Childhood Classroom. Journal of Special Education Apprenticeship, 7(2), n2.
Link to the article here.

Parkalian, R. (2021). Rocking and Rolling: Promoting Inclusion in Infant and Toddler Settings. Young Children, 76(4), 90–94.
Link to the article here.

Stockall, N. S., Dennis, L., & Miller, M. (2012). Right from the Start: Universal Design for Preschool. TEACHING Exceptional Children, 45(1), 10–17.
The link to the article can be accessed through the MLC Library.

Williams, C. S., Sawyer, G. E., Alexander, J. R., & Ostrosky, M. M. (2023). Inclusion of Infants and Toddlers with Significant Support Needs across Natural Environments: What Can Early Interventionists Do? Inclusive Practices, 2(2-3), 39-49.
Link to the article here.

Yang, C. H., & Rusli, E. (2012). Teacher Training in Using Effective Strategies for Preschool Children with Disabilities in Inclusive Classrooms. Journal of College Teaching & Learning (TLC), 9(1), 53-64.
The article can be downloaded via Google Scholar.

Websites
Center for Applied Special Technology (CAST). (2024, April 12). Universal design for learning. Retrieved from https://www.cast.org/impact/universal-design-for-learning-udl

Videos
All About the Child Find Early Childhood Identification Process

Child Find; Identifying Children for IDEA Services in a Remote and Virtual Context

Help Me Grow: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Overview. Video | Help Me Grow MN

Help Me Grow: Referrals and Parent Consent. Video | Help Me Grow MN

Inclusion in Early Childhood: UDL and Assistive Technology

Learn About Help Me Grow Minnesota; Child Development Resources and Referrals

Meaningful Inclusion in Early Childhood

Riverbend Special Education District – Early Intervention Services

Six Steps to Inclusive Preschool Curriculum

UDL: Infants, Toddlers, and Preschoolers

FOR FURTHER STUDY
Martin Luther College Courses
SPE1101 Foundations of Special Education

SPE2101 Educating the Exceptional Learner