Preschool ESE

Welcome to SDIRC Early Learning Programs Preschool ESE

The Indian River County School District provides Exceptional Education Services for preschool age (3-5 years) children in classroom settings. These classrooms accommodate fewer children per teacher ratio. Opportunities for inclusion with typical peers are provided as appropriate. Classroom teachers are certified and have additional support staff to assist with the special needs of each child. A child's Individualized Education Plan (IEP) may include specialized transportation. 

Children who only meet eligibility criteria for speech or language therapy can be served at itinerant sites throughout the district. If the child attends a private/faith based childcare center, specialized transportation may be provided for the therapy sessions.


Procedures for Assessment & Qualification

STEP 1: REFERRAL/ INTAKE

If you suspect your child may have a developmental delay or disability, contact the Preschool Evaluation Team (PET) office directly. Physicians, community members, teachers and other early childhood programs who suspect a child may have a disability can also suggest the parent/guardian to contact the PET office. The parent or guardian will be asked to complete an intake to share relevant information with our Child Find secretary. Relevant information may include developmental, speech or language concerns, medical concerns, prior evaluations or therapies.

Step 2: SCREENING

Based on the intake information, a screening will be scheduled by appointment at the PET office. A screening may include functional hearing, vision, developmental skills, speech skills, and language skills. Based on the results of the screener, your child may be referred for further evaluation for Exceptional Student Education. If the screener is passed, no further steps need to be taken at this time.

Step 3: EVALUATION

If the results of the screener indicate further need for an evaluation, an appointment will be set with the parent/ guardian. A comprehensive evaluation will be completed with the child and parent. This evaluation will be used to help determine if the child has a developmental delay or other disability that requires services through the Exceptional Student Education Program.

Step 4: ELIGIBILITY DETERMINATION

A meeting is scheduled to review the results of the evaluation and determine eligibility. If the child meets criteria for a program, consent will be offered for the initial provision of services. If the child does not meet criteria for a program, no further steps need to be taken at this time.

STEP 5: INDIVIDUAL EDUCATION PLAN (IEP) DEVELOPMENT

If the child is found eligible and the parent consents to services, an Individual Education Plan (IEP) will be drafted based on evaluation results, teacher/parent input, and child needs.


Preschool Evaluation TeamVPK Logo

The Preschool Evaluation Team (PET) is an Exceptional Student Education (ESE) program which is responsible for the screening, assessment and education services for preschool age children three to five years old, with special needs and disabilities.

The PET is a collaborative partnership with Florida Diagnostic & Learning Resources System (FDLRS).

District Contacts

Preschool Evaluation Team (PET) Secretary

Location & Mailing Address

Physical Location

Preschool Evaluation Team
Support Services Complex
ESE/FDLRS Child Find/ VPK-PreK ESE
6055 62nd Avenue
Vero Beach, FL 32967
772-564-4166

Mailing Address

School District of Indian River County
Preschool Evaluation Team
6055 62nd Avenue
Vero Beach, FL 32967
772-564-4166