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How to Apply: Preschool Special Education
Ohio · 6 StepsChildren ages 3 to 5 who have developmental delays or disabilities
Take it one step at a time. We're here to help.
Quick facts
Step 1 of 6: See if this is for you
- Child is age 3 to 5
- Has a delay or disability
- All services are free
Good to know: Speech, therapy, special teaching, and rides are all provided at no cost.Step 2 of 6: Ask for an evaluation
Contact your school district
- Call your school district office
- Ask for special education team
- Request an evaluation
Good to know: The district decides within 30 days of your referral whether an evaluation is needed.Step 3 of 6: Say yes to testing
You must give consent first
- Join the planning meeting
- Sign consent for testing
- Child is evaluated
Important: The evaluation must be finished within 60 calendar days after you give consent.Step 4 of 6: Get the answer
- Eligibility meeting
- Written notice of decision
Step 5 of 6: Make the learning plan
Called an IEP
- IEP meeting within 30 days
- Set goals together
- Pick services and placement
Step 6 of 6: Services begin
- Learning with other kids
- Speech and therapy help
- Rides to preschool
Good to know: By law, services start without delay. Your child learns alongside other kids whenever possible.
A "how to" guide to help you navigate the application process for Preschool Special Education.
What is Preschool Special Education?
Preschool Special Education supports children ages 3 to 5 who have developmental delays or disabilities. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), eligible children receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in their Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) alongside peers. Services are provided through an Individualized Education Program (IEP)—and it’s all at no cost to families.
How do I apply for Preschool Special Education?
Referral: Contact your local school district's special education department to request a preschool evaluation.
Evaluation Planning: You’ll be included in planning, consent to the evaluation, which must use multiple tools and be completed within 60 calendar days of consent .
Eligibility Decision: The district has 30 days from the referral to decide if an evaluation is needed, then 60 days post-consent to complete it and determine eligibility.
How long does it take to receive services?
After your child is found eligible, the school district must schedule an IEP meeting within 30 days, and then begin services without delay, per Ohio and federal law.
What do the application steps look like?
Referral submitted to your district’s special education office.
Evaluation planning meeting with you to develop a tailored assessment.
Consent & Evaluation using different methods (observation, interviews, testing).
Eligibility meeting with your team; you receive written notice of the decision.
IEP meeting (within 30 days) to create goals, select services, decide placement in LRE .
Services start, such as speech therapy, OT, adapted instruction, and transport—based on your child's IEP en.wikipedia.org+10childrenandyouth.ohio.gov+10childrenandyouth.ohio.gov+10.
What documentation is required?
Referral & Evaluation
Referral request/documentation (from you or a professional)
Documentation of planning, assessment results, and timeline consent
Eligibility & IEP
Evaluation Team Report showing eligibility
IEP document with goals, services, settings, and frequency
Prior Written Notices detailing decisions
Service Records
Progress tracking via the Child Outcomes Summary (COS)
Records of the Early Learning Assessment and evaluations
Common FAQs
1. Is it free?Yes—Preschool Special Education is provided at no cost under IDEA.
2. What is Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)?Your child should learn with non-disabled peers as much as possible, unless their needs require otherwise.
3. Who decides placement?The IEP team, including you, decides placement, and if you disagree, you have legal options to resolve it.
4. What services are included?It may include therapies (speech, OT, PT), specialized teaching, and transportation, depending on your child’s needs .
5. What if we move to another district?If your child has had at least 6 months of services, the new district should continue services without re-evaluation.
Who do I contact about my child’s program?
Local School District Special Education Office: Find contact info on your district’s website
Ohio Department of Children and Youth Preschool Special Ed Team:
Phone: 614‑369‑3765
Email: preschoolspecialeducation@childrenandyouth.ohio.gov
Last updated July 1, 2025