Birth to Kindergarten
Carroll County Public Schools (CCPS) provides early intervention and preschool special education services for children with developmental delays and disabilities, ages birth through five, and their families.
Infants and toddlers, from birth to age three, identified with developmental delays or disabilities, are eligible to receive early intervention services from the Carroll County Infants and Toddlers Program (CCITP) through an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). Services are provided in the child’s natural environment, such as your home. The CCITP team will select a service coordinator based upon each family’s individual needs. The providers will use a parent coaching model as an approach to build caregiver confidence in supporting their child to develop new skills.
Preschool children, ages three through five, identified as having a disability, are eligible to receive special education and related services through the CCPS under an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
In addition, and unique to Maryland’s system of services, for children participating in early intervention and who are found eligible by CCPS for special education, families have a choice for their child to continue receiving services through an IFSP after age three up until the beginning of the school year following the child’s fourth birthday, or to transition to services under an IEP provided by CCPS.
If you are interested in learning more about early intervention and preschool special education services in CCPS , contact:
Westminster, Maryland 21157
Phone: 410-876-4437
Fax: 410-751-3496
Birth to Kindergarten Program Overview
Infants and Toddlers (Ages 0 - 3)
In 1986, Congress established Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) to reinforce the importance of early intervention services and supports available for infants and toddlers with disabilities, birth to age three, and their families. In Maryland, the Part C system of IDEA is called the Maryland Infants and Toddlers Program (MITP).
Early intervention services are available to all children under the age of three who may have a developmental delay, a disability, or a special health condition that is likely to lead to non-typical development. The Carroll County Infants and Toddlers program (CCITP) can help address your concerns with a program specially designed to meet the unique needs of your child and family. All services are provided at no cost to your family.
The CCITP is an interagency program providing early intervention services to eligible children from birth to age 3 and their families. This program focuses on Early Childhood Outcomes:
- building positive social relationships
- acquiring and using knowledge and skills to participate in activities
- using appropriate behaviors to meet needs leading to increased independence
More information on early intervention services can be found in MSDE's Parent Information Series:
Birth to 3: A Family Guide to Early Intervention Services in Maryland
Ages 3 - 5
The Maryland State Department of Education offers families the option to extend early intervention services through an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) after a child reaches age 3 until the beginning of the school year following the child’s fourth birthday. As part of this option, by age three, your family can choose to continue services through an IFSP. Children enrolled in CCITP and who are found eligible for preschool special education and related services will have the opportunity to continue services through an IFSP or move to an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
An important outcome of preschool special education services is to narrow the gap in development that exists between preschoolers with special needs and their same age peers. Preschool services focus on helping families to:
- identify their child’s strengths, interests and needs
- support and promote their child’s development
- include their child in family and community life
- help their child to be prepared for kindergarten
More information on services when you child turns three can be found in MSDE's Parent Information Series:
A Family Guide To Next Steps When Your Child In Early Intervention Turns Three
A Family Guide to Preschool Special Education Services
Referrals
Infant and Toddler (Ages 0 - 3)
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A delay of 25 percent or more in development
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Is developing in a way that is considered “atypical” for most children his or her age
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A diagnosed condition that is likely to affect development, such as a genetic disorder, deafness or blindness
When an infant or toddler is suspected of having a disability, developmental delay, or special heath care need, he or she may be referred to the Carroll County Infants and Toddlers Program (CCITP) by parents, a health or education provider, child care or social service provider, or a staff person from the hospital, just to name a few. Your child may have received a developmental screening at the doctor’s office or through your child care provider that recommended a referral to your local Infants and Toddlers Program.
Once a referral is made to the CCITP, the intake process begins through conversation and information gathering about your child and family. Then, with your consent, the CCITP arranges for a service coordinator to schedule a screening or to schedule an evaluation at no cost to the family to determine if your child and family are eligible for services.
Referrals for children between birth and thirty-four and one half months of age can be made by contacting the CCITP to request an evaluation at 410-876-4437 or complete the online referral at referral.mditp.org.
Preschool Child Find (Ages 3 - 5)
The first step in determining eligibility for preschool special education and related services is a referral made to the CCPS' Child Find office. Child Find provides free developmental screenings for children from three years of age until kindergarten. Child Find is a process for identifying and evaluating children ages 3 to 5 (prior to entrance to kindergarten) who are suspected of having a disability and may be eligible for special education and related services. Any individual who is familiar with the child’s development may make a Child Find referral including parents/guardians, medical professionals, and family service professionals. If you have concerns about your child’s development and learning, you do not need to wait for a professional to suggest a referral. There are three ways you can make a referral to the Carroll County Public Schools' Child Find Office:
- Referrals to Carroll County's Child Find office can be made online at: https://forms.office.com/r/JH4ttjkbCi
- Referrals can also be made by calling 410-876-4437 during office hours, Monday, Wednesday, or Thursday between the hours of 8:00 am and 3:30 pm.
- Alternatively, the referral form below can be downloaded and emailed to BirthtoKindergarten@carrollk12.org. Please be sure to complete the form in its entirety and email the form with the required documentation identified at the top of the referral form.
What happens after I make a referral?
After a child is referred, the parent/guardian will be contacted to schedule a meeting. At this meeting, the Individualized Education Team (IEP) Team will determine if an individualized evaluation of skills is necessary. Parent/Guardian permission is necessary to proceed with any evaluation that may be recommended. Following completion of assessments, the IEP Team, of which parents are essential members, reconvenes to review and discuss findings to determine your child’s eligibility for special education and related services.
Staff
Elizabeth Hamilton
Supervisor of Special Education - Elementary
ElizabethHamilton@carrollk12.org
410-751-3033
Toni Wallace
Instructional Consultant for Birth to Kindergarten Program
AntoninaWallace@carrollk12.org
410-751-3226
Service Providers
- Educators/Service Coordinators
- Speech and Language Pathologists
- Occupational Therapists
- Physical Therapists
- School Psychologist
- Nurse Service Coordinators
Educators/Service Coordinators
Speech and Language Pathologists
Occupational Therapists
Physical Therapists
School Psychologist
Nurse Service Coordinators
Kelly Stauffer
410-876-4989
Services and Supports
Special Education and Related Services
- Special Education
- Speech-Language Pathology
- Nursing Care
- Physical Therapy (PT)
- Occupational Therapy (OT)
- Vision Services
- Hearing Services
- Inclement Weather Information
Special Education
The Special Educator assesses your child's cognitive, play, behavioral, and social-emotional skills. Children have varying learning styles and intellectual abilities. The Special Educator will individualize teaching interventions to meet the specific needs of your child. She will make referrals to other disciplines as appropriate.
Speech-Language Pathology
The Speech-Language Pathologist evaluates your child's receptive and expressive language skills, feeding and swallowing skills, and speech skills. A speech disorder affects the child's production of sound (articulation or fluency), while a language disorder deals with the child's ability to understand what is said or to put words together to communicate their thoughts. The Speech-Language Therapist will design a program based on the goals established for your child.
Nursing Care
The nurse receives referrals for infants at high risk for developmental delay; some of whom may be medically fragile. The nurse monitors all areas of development, coordinating services for any area showing atypical or delayed development. The nurse may assist the parent/caregiver in organizing medical information and in communicating with the child's clinicians as needed.
Physical Therapy (PT)
The Physical Therapist evaluates your child's ability to move through his/her environment safely. Children who have an illness or birth injury may have difficulty reaching their developmental milestones like rolling, sitting, crawling, standing and walking. With your input the physical therapist will design a treatment plan to help develop muscle strength, joint range of motion and balance. The PT will also evaluate the need for orthotics or other assistive devices/adaptive equipment.
Occupational Therapy (OT)
The Physical Therapist evaluates your child's ability to move through his/her environment safely. Children who have an illness or birth injury may have difficulty reaching their developmental milestones like rolling, sitting, crawling, standing and walking. With your input the physical therapist will design a treatment plan to help develop muscle strength, joint range of motion and balance. The PT will also evaluate the need for orthotics or other assistive devices/adaptive equipment.
Vision Services
Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired Infants and Toddlers in Carroll County includes assessments, direct services, and consultation to parents and staff. These services can be provided in the home or daycare setting. Certified teachers for the Blind and Visually Impaired work with the infants/toddlers to evaluate their functional vision and monitor growth and development of the eyes. They also attend IFSP meetings and assist with transitioning the child into school age settings and IEP document.
Hearing Services
Services for the Deaf and Hearing Impaired Infants and Toddlers in Carroll County include both direct services and consultation to families and staff regarding hearing assessments, hearing aids, cochlear implants, and other technology. These services are provided in the home or daycare setting; and if the parent desires, can be paired with services provided by the Maryland School for the Deaf. Certified Deaf Educators work with the infants/toddlers and their families to assist in developing language, based on parent preference (Spoken English, American Sign Language, or other sign systems). They also attend IFSP meetings and assist with transitioning the child into school age settings and IEP documents.
Inclement Weather Information
In the event of inclement weather, please listen to local radio and/or television stations for school closings, late openings or early dismissals to determine if your home visit, therapy appointment, group or meeting has been cancelled. The following guidelines are specific to the Birth through
Five program:
Closed
Late Openings
• 2 Hours Late Opening- Appointments before 10:00 am will be cancelled. Appointments at and
after 10:00 am will be held at the scheduled appointment time.
• 1 Hour Late Opening- Appointments before 9:00 am will be cancelled. Appointments at and after
9:00 am will be held at the scheduled appointment time.
Early Closings
Parent Coaching Model
The Carroll County Birth to Kindergarten program involves families in the planning and implementation of the child’s service plan. An Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP), developed with the family, takes into account the special interests, daily routines, and priorities of the family as a whole. As a parent or guardian, you should not be a reluctant bystander! Prepare for IFSP development by taking a few minutes to jot down the things that are most difficult or most important to your family right now. Your team can then tailor a plan that addresses those needs and fosters your child’s development and family activities. Using the “coaching model” , it is the provider's goal to make you the best teacher and therapist for your child. In a parent-coached model, you become a learner as the early intervention (EI) provider coaches you to work with your child in your daily routine. During this time, you can ask questions and work through any problems to ensure that all the strategies and techniques modeled make sense to you and your family.
Support Services
Carroll County Early Childhood Services
For more information on Early Childhood Services available in Carroll County go to our Early Childhood Services brochure.
Family Support Services
Family Support Services
Family Support Services is an Information and Resource Center for families, educators, and community agencies within Carroll County. The staff can provide information and support for issues that involve children's educational needs. They offer workshops and in-services throughout the school year, organize various activities for children and their families, and manage an extensive lending library.
Judy Center
The Judy Center Partnership of Carroll County is funded by a federal grant given to the Maryland Stated Department of Education. This program is designed to promote school readiness for children from birth through age five. Numerous non-profit and public agencies work in collaboration to foster success in school. The staff work with the child and the family, community-based agencies, and childcare providers throughout the county.
For more information on the Judy Center Early Learning Hubs click HERE
Parents as Teachers
Parents As Teachers (a service of the Judy Center) is a nationally recognized program available to parents in Carroll County who require child development knowledge and parenting support. It is available free of charge to families from pregnancy until their child enters kindergarten. This program helps teach parents about what to expect in each stage of their child's development and offer ideas about ways to foster learning during everyday activities.
Accessible Playgroups
Many of you have asked about playground accessibility in and around Carroll County. Although we haven't visited each of these playgrounds, we did a search and found some encouraging information.
The Recreation and Parks website provides a listing of "places to go/things to do" around Carroll County. While many of these parks will not be accessible to those who are more physically challenged, there may be family friendly opportunities that would be of interest to you.
Accessibleplayground.net is another great resource. You can search playgrounds and state parks within the state and learn more about accessible play. You will notice that Hailey's Wish Boundless Playground is listed. This is a community playground that is located at Carroll Springs School. It is open to the public except during school hours (8-3:30) and closes at dusk. It was funded by special donations to allow Carroll County's most special children a safe place to play.
Lastly, the City of Westminster, provides information about Recreation and Parks. King Park is listed as ADA (Americans with Disablity Act) accessible and Whispering Meadows Community Park is listed as being designed specifically for PreK - 6th grade children. We hope you find this information useful in determining your next family outing. Happy playing!
Disclaimer- The above links will take you to sites outside the CCPS website.