Head Start As Service Delivery Provider of Special Education

EVALUATION

Head Start Act 45 U.S.C. 1301-1311)
Individuals With Disabilities Education 20 U.S.C. 1400-1487

1. Health status of all children determined 90 days after enrollment. Mental and dental health records are to be maintained.
   
   
   1. Screenings to identify children who may have disabilities to be done 45 days after entering Head Start program.
   2. Systematic screenings use multiple sources of information sensitive to Cultural background with intent of identifying children with disabilities.
   3. Screening identifies who needs formal testing for intervention: Vision/hearing aids, mental health services, special education, Other.
   4. Screening reviews preexisting information gathered in first 45 days in Head Start program with findings in writing. All milestones are to be viewed flexibly.
   5. Referral is made to early intervention agency if screening suggests disabling Condition.
      i. Participates in coordinated screening efforts.
      ii. Assists LEA in identification.
      iii. Avoids overlabeling.
      iv. Provides annual hearing tests.
      v. Considers how disability affects ability to function

*The objective of Head Start to wellness ensures that all child health and developmental concerns are identified, and children and families linked to ongoing, continuous and accessible care to meet their basic health needs. (45 C.F.R. 1304.20)

PROGRAM & PLACEMENT IN HEAD START FOR CHILDREN WITH DISABILITIES

45 C.F.R. 1308.4

1. Head Start is responsible to provide the LRE for at least 10% of its enrolled children, in addition to its traditional services of health, dental, nutritional, developmental, parent involvement, and social services.
2. Regardless of how the child was placed in Head Start, the local school district is responsible for identification, evaluation, and FAPE.
3. Head Start is mandated to recruit and enroll income-eligible children and children with disabilities.
4. Head Start is fully committed to fiscal support so that all services are provided, either directly or in a combination from other sources.
5. Children who meet State developed IDEA criteria are eligible for Head Start Services in that State. *
6. Head Start is to use assistive technology to include disabled children in its programs.
7. Head Start is to participate in Child Find, and maintain a list of major specialized agencies it approaches for childrens'services.
8. Head Start is used for a mainstreaming experience. Individual services may be shared with other agencies. Additional aides can be hired.
9. Head Start as a placement site is affected by teacher qualifications.
10. The core capability of the Head Start program is enhanced when therapies are provided on site.
11. Each Head Start Program has a Disabilities Coordinator.

NOTE: IDEA eligibility is a federal entitlement without regard to the income of the family.