Hawaii State Department of Education
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The Department of Education is responsible for services for three to five year-old children with disabilities. Currently, there are approximately 1100 three to five year-old children with disabilities being served by the Department of Education in elementary school sites throughout the seven districts of the state of Hawaii.
Comprehensive services are being provided in accordance with both Public Laws 94-142 and 99-457. All preschool students with disabilities are served based on the IEP developed at a team meeting. Many students are integrated with non-handicapped same-age peers, always in accordance with the IEP.
The passage of P.L.99-457 has challenged states to commit to quality services and collaboration between agencies to provide the best possible services to preschool children with special needs.
Critical attention is given to the needs of special education preschool teachers who will be delivering services to children and families. As needs are identified, technical assistance is provided and the development of new strategies considered.
Parents and families are recognized as full partners in their child's educational program. Every effort is made to involve parents in programs that they feel will benefit themselves or their children. There is a continued effort to obtain parental input for conferences and in-service training.
OVERVIEW OF P.L. 99-457, Section 619
Federal funds under this program are to be used for the planning, development, and implementation of a statewide system for provision of early intervention services. P.L. 99-457 amends P.L. 94-142, Part B, to include children with disabilities ages 3 through 5 years old. All provisions of P.L. 94-142 are therefore consistent with the efforts of P.L. 99-457, Section 619. Federal funds are allocated based on the Child Count submitted December 1 and then distributed in accordance with the formula in the Federal Register, Rules and Regulations, Vol. 54, No. 9/January 13, 1989.
The State of Hawaii has had a mandate to serve preschool children with disabilities since 1980. Therefore, funds are being used for the improvement of services to preschool children with disabilities. Areas of particular focus are: teacher in-service training, transition (both into and out of preschool programs) and parent education and counseling.
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