Preschool Exceptional Children

Since 1991, the Public Schools of North Carolina have entitled all three- four- and pre-k five-year-old children with disabilities a free and appropriate public education mandated through the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Part B, Section 619 legislation.

This includes:

• Evaluation that does not discriminate against any child;
• A Handbook of Parents' Rights and Procedures Governing Programs and Services for Children with Disabilities;
• Services provided in natural environments that are like those used by children without disabilities;
• An Individualized Education Program (IEP) which is comprehensively explained in the Handbook of Parents' Rights;
• Special education and related services (such as speech, occupational therapy, physical therapy, transportation, etc.); and
• A process for parents or guardians to appeal decisions about educational services or placement.

In North Carolina:

• Over 15,000 three-, four-, and pre-k five-year-old children are currently receiving services through the Public School Part B preschool program.
• Special education services must be provided by a Birth to Kindergarten or Preschool Add-On licensed teacher.
• Related services must be delivered by appropriately licensed personnel.
• Services are flexible and may be provided in private schools, child care centers, family child care homes, public schools, Developmental Day programs, Head Start programs, state-operated programs, and university / community college-affiliated early childhood programs.
• Children who have been served in the Part C (infant-toddler) program and who are eligible for the Part B Preschool program should have a seamless transition between programs and have an IEP in place by third birthday.
• The Part B Preschool programs are blended with Title I, Even Start, Smart Start, and More at Four funding.
• Over 70% of the preschool children with disabilities are served in settings with their non-disabled peers.

Contact Us

Contact the local public school system administrative office in your county for further information on programs for Preschool Exceptional Children. At the state level, contact Vivian James, Exceptional Children Section 619 Coordinator, Office of School Readiness, at (919) 855-6855 or emaillvivian.james@ncmail.net