Disability Services
Hillsborough County Head Start/Early Head Start is required to have at least 10% of their enrollment composed of children with disabilities. The Disability Services Section assists in recruitment, enrollment and assist children and families with identifying the special needs through screenings and evaluations.
Children with special needs are supported in partnership with other program staff and community partners. Staff work with many community partners; two of whom are Hillsborough County Public Schools, to develop the Individualized Education Plans (IEP) for Head Start children and Infants and Young Children, to develop the to Individual Family Support Plans (IFSP) for Early Head Start children.
Head Start/Early Head Start works with all types of disabilities from those with speech and language, social emotional concerns, to individuals with Downs Syndrome. The program has worked with those in wheelchairs, the seeing and hearing impaired, and some with medical conditions that require monitoring. Head Start views working with special needs children as an opportunity to share our expertise in early childhood as well as provide extra care and attention to support a child and their family. Nurses and other professionals on staff to assist in meeting each child and their family’s needs.
Hillsborough County Head Start/Early Head Start works in an inclusive environment. This means that a special needs child is in a classroom with other pre-school children. The special needs child is given the same opportunities to participate in the classroom as the others and if necessary; modifications will be taken into consideration to make their experience a fun filled learning one. Teachers will be provided the training necessary to make this a positive experience for the special needs child.
There is a Special Needs Advisory Committee that meets quarterly.
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