I Am Worried About My Preschool-Age Child

If you think that your child is not developing at the same rate or in the same way as most children his or her age, it is often a good idea to talk to your child’s pediatrician first. Explain your concerns. Tell the doctor what you have observed and have a few examples ready. At the same time, it is always a good idea to contact your community’s Early Intervention program or local school district and ask to have your child evaluated to see if he or she has a delay that can be addressed through special education services. This evaluation is free of charge.

Much of the evaluation is play-based, and many children find it fun. Members of the evaluation team will look at your child’s basic abilities, including social, behavioral, emotional, and pre-academic skills. Based on that evaluation, and the information you, the parent, provide to the team, the team will determine if your child is eligible for special education services. If your child is found eligible for these services a plan will be designed to address his or her special needs.

Your local school district is responsible for Preschool Special Education services. Some districts have assigned preschool evaluations and services to the local agency responsible for Early Intervention for children under age 3. (This is the case in Pennsylvania.) If you are unsure of who to call to initiate an evaluation for your preschool-age child, call your local school district.

For Families Living in Philadelphia: Call Elwyn at 215-222-8054.

For Families Living Elsewhere in Pennsylvania: Call the CONNECT Information and Referral number: 800-692-7288.

For Families Living in New Jersey: Contact your local school district.

For Families Living in Delaware: Contact your local school district.

Recommended Link:

• CAR Resource Directory (Search For Diagnosticians)

Additional Resources:

• Video On Autism From The Centers For Disease Control And Prevention (CDC)
• Philadelphia Early Intervention Website