Preschool Programs for Children with Disabilities (PPCD)
What is special education?
The term “Special Education” means individually designed instruction to meet the unique needs of a child with a disability. Eligible children with disabilities receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA). Information about AISD Special Education services is below:
https://www.austinisd.org/academics/sped
Please describe PPCD services at Dawson.
In Texas, PPCD provide special education and related services for eligible children with disabilities, ages three to five. PPCD refers to the services provided by the school district at no cost to parents. Dawson is currently one of 64 campuses in AISD providing PPCD. Placement at a school is based on home address. If there is not a PPCD program at your neighborhood school, the child is placed at a nearby school. Transportation is provided if the child has an educational need.
At Dawson, the PPCD teachers collaborate closely with Pre-K3, Pre-K4, and Kindergarten teachers to ensure they are all working toward the same goal of high achievement and inclusivity. Students receiving PPCD services also participate in the Pre-K3 and Pre-K4 classes, if they meet the separate eligibility requirements for Pre-K in AISD.
Pre-K requirements are below:
https://www.austinisd.org/academics/early-childhood-education/prekindergarten
What types of disabilities does the Dawson program encompass?
Eligibility for special education services depends on evaluation results and educational need. Some examples of disabilities are Autism, Speech Impairment, Intellectual Disability, Learning Disability, Other Health Impairment, including Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Epilepsy, and others such as Orthopedic Impairment, Vision Impairment, and Auditory Impairment.
What are the student/teacher ratios for special education?
Ratios are determined based on student needs.
Who are the special education teachers at Dawson?
At Dawson, we currently have seven (7) special education teachers: one Speech and Language Pathologist (SLP); one Adapted Art teacher; one Adapted Physical Education teacher; two PPCD teachers; and two Life Skills teachers. We also have two Primary Resource/Inclusion Specialists, one of whom is Bilingual. Our Intermediate Resource/Inclusion Specialist is also a Certified Academic Language Therapist (CALT), or rather a dyslexia specialist.
Once identified, is my child always considered a“special education” student?
Great question! Through the Admissions Review and Dismissal (ARD) process an Individualized Educational Program (IEP) is developed to address specific goals. An IEP is reviewed every twelve months at the minimum. Evaluations are reviewed every three years. At every ARD meeting, the committee reviews the educational need for special education services. The goal is always for children to be educated with peers without disabilities, to the greatest extent appropriate. This is called Least Restrictive Environment. Parents are always involved in this decision as valued members of the ARD committee.
Do the special education children interact with kids their own age?
Yes! Dawson teachers provide multiple opportunities for ALL students with disabilities to interact with peers without disabilities. The extent to which they participate in general education is based on individual needs and is determined by the ARD committee. At Dawson, staff members celebrate diversity and have many traditions allowing all learners to demonstrate their achievement and successes. Dawson celebrates progress and strives to develop citizens - respecting and welcoming of people with varying ability levels.
Do the special education children have a separate classroom?
Every schedule is individualized based on the educational needs of each student. The ARD committee develops the IEP to provide a schedule in the Least Restrictive Environment. There is a continuum of services that sometimes includes a separate classroom (PPCD, Life Skills, Resource).
How do I determine whether my child is eligible?
If you have concerns about your child’s education, the first step is to talk to your child’s teacher. You can also contact the school counselor and school administration.
Information on how to seek more information about special education eligibility is on the Child Find link on the AISD website:
https://www.austinisd.org/academics/sped/childfind
How are special education children supported during their tenure at Dawson?
The ARD and IEP customizes a child’s support to their needs. Every child’s services are individualized.
What else should a parent of a potential special education student know about Dawson’s program?
High expectations (while considering each child’s individual needs) and whole child development are ongoing themes at Dawson for all children.
Other helpful websites are:
http://www.parentcompanion.org/
http://tea.texas.gov/Academics/Special_Student_Populations/Special_Education/Special_Education
http://idea.ed.gov
Very few schools offer PPCD to begin with and finding a school making us comfortable was hard. I compared school success metrics, accountability ratings, STARR results, class sizes and program offerings. Dawson, by far, has the most to offer our family.
#GabbysMom