Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE)

Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) services include special instruction and related services provided to all children ages 2 (as of Sept 30th of current school year) through 5, who qualify under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA, Part B, Section 619). Fairfax County’s ECSE program ensures the provision of a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) to all children who are found eligible for those services at no cost to their families, and in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE).  FCPS offers early childhood resource services, early childhood class-based services, and preschool autism classes (PAC).

Early Childhood Class-based Services

Early Childhood class-based services provide instruction in a school-based classroom. These services are located in a number of elementary schools within FCPS. Children receive both individualized and small group instruction to address areas of need identified in the child’s IEP. The curriculum is language rich and emphasizes communication, early literacy and social development along with development in other areas. 

PAC

Preschool Autism Class (PAC) services are designed with a reduced adult to student ratio and provide systematic instruction in a highly structured setting to maximize learning. The program uses Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Verbal Behavior (VB) to foster communication, social skills, appropriate behavior, and development of other skills as designated in the student’s IEP. PAC services are designed to address the specific needs of preschool-age children who have been identified as having Autism Spectrum Disorder or present characteristics on the autism spectrum, and who cannot benefit from the early childhood class based program.

PreK

The early childhood education program is individualized to address each child's unique needs. Every child receives a variety of learning experiences to foster intellectual, social and emotional growth. The classroom program is extended into the home through home visits and home reinforcement activities. Emphasis is placed on early identification of health problems. In collaboration with the parents, each child's health status is determined through a variety of examinations and screenings. This includes a review of medical, dental, nutritional, mental and immunization information. It is also determined if each child has a "health care home." As necessary, parents are assisted in locating a source of continuous health care and/or obtaining follow-up diagnostic testing and treatment for identified concerns.