Early Childhood Special Education Services and Programs
CPS offers the following program models: Speech-Only Services, Early Childhood Itinerant, Blended (Inclusive), and Early Childhood Cluster. Students with IEPs are enrolled in blended and intensive programs.
Speech-Only Services
This program is indicated for any preschool age student requiring only speech support from a Related Service Provider. in the general education classroom.
Early Childhood Itinerant Services
This program is indicated for any preschool age student requiring support from an early childhood special education teacher in the general education classroom for up to 120 minutes weekly.
Blended (Inclusive) Preschool Program
Blended Preschool classrooms are an inclusive setting in which students with disabilities receive specially designed instruction alongside their general education peers for the duration of the school day. These classrooms also provide peer modeling and interaction while early learners develop independent functioning and social-emotional skills with same-aged peers.
Early Childhood Cluster Program
Early Childhood Cluster Preschool programs are designed to meet the needs of students who require more modified support than the Blended program as outlined in their IEP. Students also receive special designed instruction in this program by a special education teacher that addresses independent functioning, social-emotional, and/or academic needs. These classrooms provide more structured peer modeling and interaction to meet the needs of learners throughout the school day.
For questions about Early Childhood Special Education, email OSD@cps.edu.
Early Childhood Special Education School Assignment
While all Chicago Public Schools serve the needs of students with disabilities, some programs and supports and services are not available at every school and require an OSD school assignment. A student’s assignment to an OSD program is strictly based on the program’s ability to implement the Individualized Education Program (IEP) and least restrictive environment, which are both determined by the IEP team.
When determining a school assignment, OSD follows federal and state regulations and considers:
- The school closest to the child’s home;
- Available seats in a school that can provide the supports and services documented in the IEP; and
- The school’s ability to implement the child’s IEP.
For questions about OSD School Assignment, email osdschoolassignment@cps.edu.
Evaluation & Assessment
Child Find
Child Find is an ongoing process that identifies, locates, and evaluates children birth through age 21 who may require special education services. The OSD Child Find Screening Team provides free early childhood developmental screenings for children birth to five.
The Child Find process focuses on students who are not currently enrolled in a special education program and who are suspected of having a disability, living within the City of Chicago which includes, students enrolled in a CPS education program, unenrolled students, students attending a non-public school within the City of Chicago, and others.
Developmental screenings can indicate if a child is having difficulties with cognitive/academic, communication, social-emotional, and fine/gross motor skills. A hearing and vision screening are also available.
Regional screenings are held monthly at several Chicago Public Libraries across the city. No appointment is necessary.
For additional questions, please reach out to the CPS Child Find Coordinator at 773-251-4855 or cpschildfind@cps.edu.
Early Intervention (EI) to Early Childhood Transition
A child who was eligible for Early Intervention (EI) services should be evaluated to determine eligibility for Early Childhood Special Education services from CPS prior to their third birthday. OSD works collaboratively with Early Intervention Service Coordinators to schedule evaluations with the Citywide Assessment Team (CAT) as the child approaches their third birthday. If you have questions about your child’s transition and/or evaluation please contact the OSD Citywide Assessment Team at 773-553-1266 (Garfield Park), 773-535-8937 (Colman), or earlychildhoodevals@cps.edu.
Parent Supports
OSD provides a number of resources and training opportunities to assist parents in caring for their children and securing the right services, supports, and individualized instruction plans to aid their learning.
Parent Support Specialists
OSD Parent Support Specialists are engagement liaisons who help families navigate supports and services for students with disabilities. Schedule an one-on-one meeting or phone call.
OSD Helpline
Call the OSD Help Line for assistance for your CPS student with a disability, IEP/504 support or for more information. The help line is open Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Reach out at (773) 553-1800.
StarNet
StarNet supports families with young children ages birth through eight years old with developmental delays and special needs. They provide trainings, workshops, and resources for parents and early childhood education educators.
