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Head Start

Linda Rigler, Supervisor
610-383-6800

Head Start is a federal program for preschool children from low-income families. Head Start provides developmentally appropriate early childhood services to children ages three to five years old. They also receive free medical and dental screenings and nutritious meals and snacks. Head Start provides children with activities that help them grow mentally, socially, emotionally and physically. Over 446 children participate in the program each year at 10 different centers located in Coatesville, Downingtown, Kennett Square, Oxford, Phoenixville and West Chester. Classes are half-day, Monday-Thursday. Limited full-day programs are located in Coatesville and Downingtown. Federal funds are provided by the Department of Children, Youth and Families.

Hearing Impaired Communication Classroom - Preschool Special Education

Ann Henry, Supervisor, Special Education
484-237-5131

The preschool classroom for children who are hearing impaired provides learning experiences in a language-rich environment for children, three to five years of age.

Programming is provided for eligible children as determined by the IEP team. Districts may choose to offer preschool special education services to children during their kindergarten year if appropriate.

The primary goal of the program is to improve communication skills through spoken language and listening. Sign language support may be used as a bridge to oral language.

The instructional program includes:

Readiness skills
Sign language support (as needed)
Auditory skills
Social skills
Communication skills
Language skills

Related services provided in the program include:

Speech and language therapy
Occupational and physical therapy

Health and support services provided in the basic program include:

Psychological assessment and consultative services
Service coordination
Psychiatric consultation

Program Features

Individual assessment and educational planning
Learning outcomes based on the child’s needs
Assistive technology
Family service plan provided at parent’s request
Parent training

Hearing Impaired Program - Child Development Center

Vince McVeigh
Supervisor, Special Education
484-237-5013

The Hearing Impaired Support program at the Child Development Center provides specialized services and instruction for students, ages five through 21, with hearing impairments.

Hearing Impaired Support Program - Itinerant

Vince McVeigh
Supervisor, Special Education
484-237-5013

The Itinerant Hearing Impaired Support program provides specialized services and instruction for students, ages five through 21, whose skills allow them to function in a regular school setting. The level of intervention is determined by student need.

Teachers of the hearing impaired provide classroom teachers with strategies for working with hearing impaired students. Auditory training units are provided to students as appropriate. Loaner hearing aids are provided when personal aids are not working. Audiological services are provided as a related service.

Home and Community Services

Catherine Scanlon, Supervisor
484-237-5192

Home and Community Services provides behavioral and mental health rehabilitation services (wraparound) to children and their families. Wraparound services offer an alternative to more restrictive intervention, such as an out-of-home placement.

The primary goal of this program is to provide school districts and agencies with an integrated and coordinated approach to serving at-risk children that allows students to remain in the least-restrictive, academic setting as possible.

Program Features:

Therapeutic Support Staff (TSS)/Behavioral Health Personal Care Assistant (BHPCA)
Consolidation and coordination of services
Ongoing supervision
Group intervention and support services
Cost efficiency
Mobile therapists and behavior specialist consultants