At the March 17 meeting of the Scioto County Board of Developmental Disabilities, the board voted to add a developmental specialist position to expand early childhood services through the early intervention program. The Board also voted to discontinue providing preschool services at the Carousel Center at the end of this school year.
The purpose of these changes is to offer a service need not currently available in the community. According to Superintendent Julie Monroe, the preschool program has a long and robust history in the community, but the lack of referrals has made it difficult to justify allocating the resources needed to keep it open.
“Due to the availability of integrated, center-based preschool classrooms for children with disabilities through the South Central Ohio Educational Service Center (SCOESC) and local school districts, and the fact that our program is responsible for serving individuals throughout the life span, we simply cannot continue putting resources into the preschool,” Monroe said.
Tammy Nelson, director of Early Childhood Services, looks forward to expanding early intervention services to children from birth through 5 years of age.
“Our developmental specialists are highly trained professionals who work with young children identified as being at risk for delays and their families in the home,” Nelson said. “Through this expansion we will also have the opportunity to partner with local integrated preschool programs to provide consultation and support to help meet student needs.”
If you would like more information on early intervention or other services offered by the Scioto County Board of DD, please contact the intake office at 353-8448.