As a parent, understanding and supporting your child's developmental stages can sometimes feel overwhelming. Fortunately, there are numerous resources available to help you navigate this journey, especially if you reside in Arizona. This blog aims to provide key insights and knowledge about these resources, making it easier for you to support your child's early development.
Understanding My Child's Developmental Stages
Knowing what to expect at each stage of your child's development can be incredibly helpful. Developmental milestones serve as guidelines for what most children can do by a certain age. They can help you track your child's progress and identify any potential concerns early on.
- Developmental Milestones (English and Spanish): These milestones are available in both English and Spanish, ensuring that all parents have access to this vital information.
- Milestone Tracker App: This app allows you to track your child's developmental milestones conveniently on your smartphone.
- Milestones in Action: These videos provide visual examples of each stage of development, making it easier to understand what to look for.
Parent Assistance Organizations
Several organizations offer support and information to parents of children with special needs. These organizations can help you navigate the complexities of early childhood development and special education.
- Birth to 5 Helpline: This free service is available to all Arizona families with young children. You can call, leave a voicemail, complete an online contact form, or text the helpline 24/7 for support on various topics such as sleep, feeding, and tantrums. Call 877-705-KIDS (5437) for free child development support.
- Raising Special Kids: This statewide parent organization provides support and information for parents of children with disabilities and health care needs from birth to age 26. They can help you obtain appropriate education and services for your child, resolve problems with schools, and connect you to community resources. Contact them at 602-242-4366.
Special Education Process
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the federal law that defines and regulates special education. This law requires public schools to provide special education services to children ages 3 to 21 who meet certain criteria. Here are some key resources to help you understand this process:
- Preschool Special Education Disability Categories-Eligibility Definitions
- Flow Chart Preschool Special Education Evaluation Process
- School District Preschool Child Find Process for Children 2 Years 9 Months to 5 Years Old (accessible version)
- Evaluating School-Aged Children for Disability
- Developing Your Child's IEP
- Early Intervention Services for Ages 0-3
Early Intervention Services and Transition
Early intervention services are available for children younger than 3 years old through Arizona's Early Intervention Program (AzEIP). When your child turns two and a half, a Transition Planning Meeting will be held to discuss the options available for transitioning to preschool special education services.
- Video of Early Intervention Transition to Preschool
- Preschool Placement Options: These options range from regular education classrooms to special education schools and home placements. Each child is entitled to participate in the least restrictive environment (LRE) as determined by the IEP team.
Early Childhood Outcomes
Schools are required to assess the progress of all preschool children with disabilities who receive services each school year. Teachers document children's progress across all learning domains, including positive social-emotional skills, language, literacy, math, and self-help skills. Families play a crucial role in this process by sharing information about their child's progress at home and in the community.
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