Special Education

Lincoln Public Schools has a comprehensive program of Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) services for children from birth through kindergarten entrance.

As a early childhood special education team, we believe:

  1. Young children learn best through every day experiences and interactions with familiar people in familiar contexts
  2. All families, with the necessary supports and resources, can enhance their children’s learning and development
  3. The primary role of the service provider in early intervention is to work with and support the family members and caregivers in a child’s life
  4. The early intervention process, from initial contacts through transition, must be dynamic and individualized to reflect the child’s and family members’ preferences, learning styles and cultural beliefs
  5. IFSP & IEP outcomes must be functional and based on children’s and families’ needs and priorities
  6. The family’s priorities needs and interests are addressed most appropriately by a primary provider who represents and receives team and community support
  7. Interventions with young children and family members must be based on explicit principles, validated practices, best available research and relevant laws and regulations

If you have concerns about your child’s development, please call us at 402-436-1920 to make a referral.

If your child is under the age of three, a Services Coordinator will contact you and set up a meeting to gather additional information, answer your questions and determine next steps.

If your child is between three-five years of age, you will be sent a packet of information to complete.  You will be contacted by one of our special education coordinators to determine the next steps and to answer any questions you may have.

If your child is eligible for early childhood special education services according to state and federal guidelines, your child’s educational team will develop an Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) or Individualized Education Plan (IEP) which is based on the needs of your child and family.  The most appropriate placement, as well as any necessary related services, will be determined by the IFSP/IEP team in partnership with you.

Service Providers Can Include:

Lincoln Public Schools is responsible for providing a Free and Appropriate Public Education to children who have been identified as eligible for special education services according to the criteria outlined in Nebraska Rule 51 and Rule 52 (Regulations and Standards for the Provision of Special Education and Early Childhood).