Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) Services are specialized services for students ages 3-5 that meet eligibility criteria for one or more of the 13 disability areas identified by the Texas Education Agency (TEA). 

ECSE services are a collaborative approach, integrating related services with instructional services that focus on language and communication, gross/fine motor, social & emotional learning, behavioral and self-help skills.  These services provide individualized support to help children develop essential skills and prepare them for success in school and life.

Continuum of ECSE Settings and Services

• Walk-in Speech Therapy- parents transport their child to a CISD determined location and therapy is provided in either a small group or individual setting depending on individual needs.

• School-based Speech Therapy - incorporating speech and language development strategies into natural, everyday activities or within academic and social settings. This approach aims to support communication skills in meaningful contexts, making learning more functional and relevant for the individual. 

• Pre-K/ECSE Inclusion - these are blended classrooms with PreK-qualified four-year-olds and ECSE-qualified three and four-year-old learners in a general education classroom using the district’s state-approved early childhood curriculum.  Individualized Education Plans (IEP) are also embedded throughout the school day for ECSE learners which include services, goals, and accommodations.

• ECSE Self-Contained - is for learners that need a smaller student-teacher ratio with modified and/or alternative curriculum to be successful in the early childhood classroom.  There are multiple opportunities for inclusion during the day with their same-age peers that are individualized for each learner.