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Educational Service Center of Central OHIO – Early Learning Special Education Program
With programs to help students with multiple disabilities, autism, social-emotional and behavioral conditions as well as visual and hearing impairments, the Educational Service Center's – Center for Student Services is a partner to Central Ohio school districts, operating more than 60 classrooms and serving approximately 700 students.
The Early Learning Special Education Program is a half-day, center-based Early Learning Program which provides trans-disciplinary services to preschoolers with disabilities in public school buildings and childcare centers.
The program is designed to provide child-centered, enriched learning activities that are age appropriate and aligned with the Ohio Department of Education Early Learning Content Standards. Classrooms are divided into interest centers such as art, dramatic play, block building, manipulatives, sensory and language. Materials and activities at each interest center are individualized for the children. Busy and quiet activities alternate and time is set aside for the children to meet as a group with the teacher for planned activities. Students with disabilities benefit from small group instruction in a supportive environment that includes interacting with typically-developing preschool peer models.
Early Learning programs at the ESC are supported by a team of highly qualified and licensed/certified professionals, which may include a teacher, paraprofessional, occupational therapist, speech and language pathologist, physical therapist and adapted physical education teacher as deemed appropriate by an IEP team.
Itinerant preschool special education services are also available to assist children in their home, preschool or childcare setting. Staff work collaboratively with district personnel and families to support transition planning and develop and implement Individualized Education Program goals designed to meet the unique needs of preschoolers with a disability.
Services are provided in the child’s natural setting by a certified early childhood intervention specialist at a minimum of four hours per month.
Contact Information:
Rhonda Dickson, Assistant Superintendent
614-542-4106
ESCCO Central Office
2080 Citygate Drive
Columbus, OH 43219
Phone: (614) 445-3750
ESCCO Northern Office
4565 Columbus Pike
Delaware, OH 43015
Phone: (740) 548-7880
