Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE)
Welcome!
The Rockford School District (ISD #883) Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) program provides early intervention service to children from birth through kindergarten who have identified special education needs, based upon state eligibility criteria. Children with identified special education needs ages birth-2 years receive early intervention service through MAWSECO, a special education cooperative in which Rockford participates. From the ages of 3 to kindergarten, special education service is primarily provided through programs located within Rockford Elementary Arts Magnet School, at 7650 County Road 50, Rockford. Contact information for specific programs can be found below.
What is Early Childhood Special Education?
The Rockford School District provides early intervention to children ages birth to kindergarten who show a delay in one or more developmental areas, including:
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speech and language
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physical development (including motor skills, hearing, or vision)
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social, emotional, and behavioral skills
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cognitive development
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adaptive skills
The Early Childhood Special Education program also provides service to children ages birth to kindergarten who meet Minnesota eligibility criteria for a categorical disability (such as Autism Spectrum Disorders, Physical Impairment, etc.), or those children who have a diagnosed physical or mental condition/disorder with a high probability of resulting in developmental delay (for children under the age of 3).
After a formal evaluation to identify eligibility and specific needs, the ECSE team will work with the child and family to develop a plan for the child to meet their highest potential. From birth-2, an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) will be developed, and service will primarily be delivered in the home or child care center. For children ages 3-kindergarten, an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) will be developed, and services will primarily be delivered in the ECSE program, located at Rockford Elementary Arts Magnet School.
The Early Childhood Special Education process includes consistent parental collaboration and communication. Parents/guardians are essential members of the ECSE team!
After a formal evaluation to identify eligibility and specific needs, the ECSE team will work with the child and family to develop a plan for the child to meet their highest potential. From birth-2, an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) will be developed, and service will primarily be delivered in the home or child care center. For children ages 3-kindergarten, an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) will be developed, and services will primarily be delivered in the ECSE program, located at Rockford Elementary Arts Magnet School.
The Early Childhood Special Education process includes consistent parental collaboration and communication. Parents/guardians are essential members of the ECSE team!
Referral
Parents can request an educational evaluation if they have concerns about their child's development. Evaluations are provided by the school district, with no direct cost to the family. Referral is the first step of the Early Childhood Special Education process. When a referral is made, an ECSE teacher will discuss the concerns with you. If concerns persist, an evaluation will be developed to determine your child's eligibility and specific needs.
If you have concerns about your child's development, please contact:
If you have concerns about your child's development, please contact:
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Birth-2 years: Contact Jeanine Sunsten by phone at 763-477-5837 ext. 1221 or by email at jsunsten@mawseco.k12.mn.us
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3-6 years: Contact Kacie Penick by phone at 763-477-5837 ext. 1304 or by email at penickk@rockford.k12.mn.us
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Early Childhood Screening is a Minnesota requirement of all children before they reach kindergarten. Early Childhood Screening is conducted as an early look at a child's development. Screening is provided at no cost to the family. Children identified through the screening may be referred to ECSE for further evaluation. Please call 763-477-7500 or click here for more information about screening.
CONTACT US
Kacie Penick
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher (3 years-Kindergarten)
763-477-5837 x1304
Steph Reichert
Special Education Secretary
763-477-7556
Tiffany Reinhard
Early Childhood Programs Coordinator
Emily Seitzer
Special Education Coordinator
Jeanine Sunsten
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher (Birth-2 Years)
763-477-5837 X1220