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2025-26 DSE Public Pages » DEPARTMENT » Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE)

Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE)

Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE)
The Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) programs provide specialized instruction, services, and supports for young children from birth through 5 years old who have or are suspected of having developmental delays or disabilities. Services are designed to address developmental, communication, social-emotional, motor, and adaptive needs, while supporting families as partners in their child’s learning.
 
The goal is to promote each child’s development and learning by providing individualized services and family support, ensuring children are prepared for school and able to participate meaningfully in home, community, and classroom settings.
 
Who It Serves
  • Early Start Low Incidence: Infants and toddlers (birth–3 years) with low incidence eligibilities (hearing, vision, and/or orthopedic) and their families.
  • ECSE Intake & Assessment: Preschool-aged children, who are not enrolled in an LAUSD program, referred by families, physicians, or early learning providers who may need extra support due to developmental delays or disabilities.
  • ECSE Preschool Programs & Supports: Children ages 3 to 5 years who enroll in any of our specialized programs, ranging from least restrictive inclusive programs, such as PKIT, to self-contained environments.
  • PreK Itinerant Teacher (PKIT): PKIT services are provided by a Special Education teacher at LAUSD preschools, TK programs, and community-based preschools in a general education setting.
  • Head Start Programs: Children ages 3-5 years who are enrolled in Head Start programs suspected of having delays can be referred for assessments through the Head Start agency. ECSE provides services to children in their Head Start classrooms.
  • AECP: After-school Early Childhood Program works with children and families on social/emotional and language objectives. AECP also includes ASL classes for families enrolled in the Early Start Low Incidence Programs.
  • CSPP and EEC PCC/TKCC/PAL/PSC: California State Preschool Program (CSPP) and Early Educational Center (EEC) Preschool Collaborative Classes, Transitional Kindergarten Collaborative Classes (TKCC), Preschool for All Learners (PAL), and Preschool Comprehensive (PSC) Programs all serve our students up to 5 years old before they enter Kindergarten.
  • Home Instruction: Home Instruction is a play-based curriculum provided by a credentialed Special Education teacher to students with a medical referral completed by a licensed healthcare provider that indicates the student has a temporary medical disability that prevents attendance on a school campus.
Focus Areas
  • Early Start Low Incidence Services (Birth–3 years)
    Provides family-centered early intervention via parent/caregiver education for infants and toddlers at-risk or eligible due to vision, hearing, and/or orthopedic areas of need. Services focus on developmental progress, daily routines, and empowering parents/caregivers as the child’s first teachers.
  • Intake and Assessment
    Comprehensive developmental and functional assessments are provided to identify strengths and needs, determine eligibility, and guide service planning for preschool-aged children not enrolled in a District preschool program.
  • Individualized Family Service Plans (IFSPs) & Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
    • IFSPs (birth – 3 years): Focus is on family priorities, concerns and developmental goals which are delivered in natural environments.
    • IEPs (3 – 5 years): Focus on educational goals, supports, and services to promote preschool readiness and developmental progress.
  • Specialized Instruction
    Targeted interventions may include the following skills: communication, fine/gross motor, social-emotional, self-help adaptive, and early academic.  Instruction in these skills are delivered by ECSE teachers and related service providers.
  • Family Engagement and Support
    Families are active partners in goal setting and implementation. Resources, workshops, and coaching strengthen family capacity to support their child’s development.
  • Collaboration with Early Learning Programs
    Partnerships with LAUSD preschools, Head Start, Early Education Centers, and community programs ensure children are supported in inclusive, natural settings.
  • Professional Development for Staff
    Continuous training and coaching ensure that educators, administrators, and service providers use evidence-based practices to meet the needs of diverse learners.
  • Transition Planning
    Supports families as children move between programs (Early Start → Preschool → Transitional Kindergarten/Kindergarten), ensuring continuity of services and smooth transitions.
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Contact Us
 
Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE)
 
333 South Beaudry Avenue
17th Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90017

213-241-4713
 
[email protected]