DISABILITIES

At least 10% of the total enrollment of BROC Head Start will be for children with disabilities.  In order for a child to get disability services from BROC Head Start, they must be eligible based on a federal law called the “Individual with Disabilities Education Act” (IDEA).  BROC Head Start serves children with hearing impairments, speech or language impairments, emotional disturbance, orthopedic impairments, autism, other impairments or specific learning disabilities, or multiple disabilities, and who, by reason thereof, need special related services.

BROC Head Start feels that young children vary in their skills, knowledge, backgrounds, and abilities. Effective teaching requires individualized teaching and chances to learn for all children to access, participate, and thrive in Early Learning settings.  Individualizing for children who need more support helps ensure effective teaching for children with disabilities and other special needs across all the Head Start Early Learning Outcomes Framework domains. Using children’s Individual Education Program (IEP) goals is part of effective teaching individualizing, and creating inclusive environments to support children’s positive outcomes.

Children with disabilities receive services (Speech/Language Therapy, Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, and Developmental Delay Therapy) on-site and are coordinated with local public schools.  Collaborative agreements are in place with Alleghany, Ashe and Wilkes County Schools to ensure the child’s IEP goals and objectives are being meet.

Transitions activities are implemented and followed through to ensure a smooth entrance to and exit from Head Start Program.  Services are provided in an inclusive environment in the Head Start classroom for children with disabilities, with opportunities to learn side by side with children who do not have disabilities.  The teaching staff implements the goals stated on the child’s Individual Education Program (IEP) into the daily lesson plans and classrooms activities and meet the needs of the individual child.

The BROC Head Start Program collaborates with the Appalachian Foster Grandparent Program.  Foster Grandparents are utilized in most classrooms to work one-on-one with the children with disabilities to enhance the child’s learning experiences.