? About Preschool and Children with Speech Delays

My son (3 and 1/2 now) had the same problem. Not sure where you live but we are in Orange County and the nurse at our Pediatricians office told us to contact the OCPS office (her son was delayed too). From that one phone call, my son went to a screening, then got an appointment for a full evaluation and then we had a placement meeting and we got to choose between 2 schools that would work for him. He now goes to a Pre-K class for a 1/2 day every day and he LOVES IT! There is no cost and it is the best thing we have done for him. They will even provide transportation if you need it. He has already met goals on his IEP and they are fixing to write a new one for him. The number you call for OCPS is ###-###-#### (Early Intervention - they are on Tampa Avenue). Tell them you want to get your child screened and they will tell you when to come in. It used to be on Wednesdays during a certain time but I'm not sure when it is now. They can tell you though. They have been VERY helpful to us and we are so grateful for the assistance my son gets! Hope this info helps! Best of luck to you!

Hi! My son (6 years old) went through the Part C program also. When he was about to turn three, they tested him and put him the public school system. He was in a developmental Kindergarten for two years. He is now in "normal" Kindergarten and doing very well.
Your FCC will let you know the next steps to take.

L.

Hi C.,

I am a PK Varying Exceptionalities teacher at Dr. Phillips Elementary and teach the type of program you have been told about. Children who are eligible for my program go to Early Intervention Services on Tampa Avenue if a parent has a concern. They are not eligible for the program until they are 3 but I would try to get an appointment set up close to the 3rd birthday, I don't know if there is a long wait time to be seen. Dillon will be seen by a developmental teacher, speech therapist and occupational therapist if warranted to test him to see if he is eligible for the program. It is typically a 1/2 day program at a public school in your area, it is free and Dillon will receive the needed services (speech, ot, pt)as indicated through the testing. It is great that you are planning ahead, you should read to your child every day and talk, talk, talk to him all the time. Labeling everything in your enviornment, give him as much language as possible. Good Luck!

D.

The best you can do is switch any cartoons/shows you may have him watching for educational shows. Also buy toys(if you have not already done so) that will require interaction for both of you. Children seem to learn faster when a parent is involved in the process. Hang in there. Some children are just a little slower in these developemntal skills in the first couple of years, but then pick up quite quickly and are actually very smart. Always be positive and encouraging.