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Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE)

Intro

Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) helps babies, toddlers and preschoolers who may have disabilities or developmental delays and their families. These services support children from birth until they start kindergarten.

Services/Topics
Eligibility

Eligibility

If you have any concerns about your child’s development, it is easy to make a referral. Services are free for all families, no matter your income or citizenship status. Your local school district or cooperative will contact you to explain the next steps and see if your child is eligible.

Resources
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More Information

Who can get ECSE?

If you’re worried about your child’s development — maybe they’re not talking, moving or learning like you expected — you can refer them at any time.

Services are free, no matter your income or citizenship status. 

Concerned about a child's development?
Visit Help Me Grow

After you make a referral, someone from your local school district or cooperative will contact you, explain the next steps and help determine whether your child is eligible.

Services for babies and toddlers

Trained specialists from local school districts or special education cooperatives work with eligible babies and toddlers and their families. These free services are often called Part C early intervention.

Here’s what early intervention usually looks like:

  • Support often happens in your home or wherever your child and your family spend time — including child care or even the park.
  • Families play a key role in planning supports and services for their child.
  • A Service Coordinator helps your family understand options, find services and get connected with resources.

You or anyone else who works with your child (such as a doctor, caregiver or friend) can refer at any time if there are developmental concerns.  

Services for preschoolers

For children aged 3 to kindergarten enrollment, school districts and cooperatives provide Part B/619 preschool special education services.

Here’s what that means:

  • School staff and your family work together to create goals and a plan for your child.
  • Services might take place in preschools, in your home or wherever your child spends time.
  • Just like for younger children, services are free, and referrals can be made anytime. 

Extra support for families

Help Me Connect can help you find other helpful programs in your community, including parenting resources, food/housing assistance, transportation and mental health supports.

Resources for schools and districts

Minnesota's Part C Family Outcomes Survey asks families about their experience in early intervention. This helps the state and local programs improve services for infants and toddlers with disabilities.

School districts can also find guidance and requirements on the Minnesota Department of Education's ECSE webpage, including information on program standards, data reporting and using outcome data to improve programs.