Early Childhood Special Education

What is Early Childhood Special Education?

Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) is a state and federally mandated program for young children with disabilities ages 3-5. Eligible children with disabilities, ages 3-5, are entitled to receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE) under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) Part B, Section 619 in the least restrictive environment (LRE) in accordance with their individual needs. Children who meet eligibility criteria may receive Early Childhood Special Education services in a variety of settings such as a pre-kindergarten classroom, in the home, or in community settings such as Head Start and pre-school. 

In Texas, services for eligible children with disabilities ages 3-5 are provided free of charge through the public-school system. Over 40,000 children in Texas receive individual special education services each year as a part of IDEA 619 Preschool.  

For more information or support please contact us at [email protected] or (361) 561-8560.

https://www.spedtex.org/ can help

Consult SPEDTex, the Texas Special Education Information Center. This is a resource backed by TEA to inform and support parents, teachers, and anyone committed to the success of children with disabilities.

Phone: 1-855-SPEDTEX (1-855-773-3839)