Services for Preschool Children Referral Information Children between the ages of 3 and 5 whose parents or legal guardians live within the boundaries of Conroe ISD may be referred for screening.  These referrals can be made by contacting the Preschool Programs for Children with Disabilities Assessment Center at 936-709-7280.  This referral may occur at any time during the year. Referrals may be initiated by: Parents Physicians Hospitals Private Child Care Centers Community Agencies Private Preschool Teachers Early Childhood Intervention (ECI) Program for children who are birth to 3 years of age Special Education Services for Preschool Children Special education services are designed to help preschool children who may experience educational difficulties because of identified disabilities. Disability Requirements Children must meet Texas Education Agency (TEA) criteria for one or more of the following disabilities and demonstrate a need for special education services: Learning Disability Mental Retardation Orthopedic Impairment Visual Impairment Autism Speech Impairment Auditory Impairment Emotional Disturbance Other Health Impairment Multiple Disabilities Deaf-Blindness Traumatic Brain Injury Non-Categorical Early Childhood Evaluation Screening at the PPCD Assessment Center will determine if the child requires further evaluation.  A preschool speech evaluation or Full and Individual Evaluation (FIE) may need to be scheduled.  The FIE team consists of an educational diagnostician, a speech/language pathologist, a PPCD instructional specialist and other professionals such as occupational therapist, physical therapist, vision or hearing specialists as needed.  The parents are invited to be part of the team. Admission, Review & Dismissal In order to receive special education services an Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) Committee meeting is required.  Only this committee can establish the child's category of disability, develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP) and decide on an appropriate educational placement. Individualized Education Program An individualized edcuation program (IEP) is developed for each child qualifying for services.  The IEP is based on the child's present level of performance determined during the evaluation.  Measurable annual goals and objectives for each child are developed to address educational needs. These goals and objectives are written in a collaborative manner with parent input. Related Services Related services are available to children eligible for special education servcies.  This term means corrective and supportive services required to allow a child with a disability to benefit from special education services.  The term includes, but is not limited to: Occupational Therapy Physical Therapy Assistive Technology Bus Transportation Child Find Notice The Conroe Independent School District is responsible for identifying, locating and evaluating all children with disabilities who are in need of special education and related services within the school district's boundaries.  If you know of such a child, pelase contact:         Mary K. Allbright, Director of Special Education         Conroe ISD         936-709-77670