Project Description:
The Experimental Education Unit (EEU), a state certified special education program, provides inclusive interdisciplinary education classes and services to over 250 children each year, ranging from birth to six years of age. Undergraduate and graduate students also obtain valuable training in EEU classrooms. A national trend toward including children at all levels of ability and disability in regular school classrooms makes the EEU an increasingly important center for teacher training.EEU classes include:The Infant Toddler Program (ITP), a center , home , and community based early intervention program designed to enhance the competence and confidence of children with special needs and their families;Preschool, a half day blended program that serves children three to five years old;Kindergarten, a full day blended program that emphasizes the development of cognitive, social, and motor skills that enable children to successfully transition to regular classrooms the following year;Head Start/ECEAP, a program comprised of three major components: education, health/nutrition, and family support that serves children whose families meet low income guidelines (primarily four year olds) and has particular training for children with moderate and severe disabilities; andProject DATA, an inclusive preschool with a half day component followed by intensive instruction.Children with diverse abilities are referred to the EEU by parents, professionals, school districts and community agencies. Interdisciplinary teams comprise a classroom teacher, speech and language pathologist, occupational or physical therapist, and other professionals. Each classroom includes children with developmental disabilities as well as typically developing youngsters. Families have access to support services such as counseling and training in how to supplement their children s education in the home.
