Virginia is committed to ensuring that the learning needs of every child are met with high-quality resources and opportunities. Studies show that individuals with special needs excel in the future after receiving learning support during the early years of childhood. All localities in Virginia offer early intervention and early childhood special education services to eligible children ages 0-5.
- Birth – Age 2 (Early Intervention). Early Intervention helps children learn basic skills that typically develop during the first years of life. Moreover, it helps parents learn how to teach their children these skills in everyday activities. For more information, visit the Virginia Family Special Education Connection website.
- Ages 2-5 (Early Childhood Special Education). Preschool-aged children from age two to five with a disability may be eligible for Early Childhood Special Education services. Eligibility is defined by federal and state regulations, a summary of which can be found here.
- Special Education services are provided by the special education departments of local school divisions. To find contact information for your local school division, visit the Virginia public school division directory.
Transitioning a child from early intervention to early childhood special education programs and beyond requires open lines of communication between families, children and providers. Transition activities need to be timely and seamless to ensure access to appropriate services for the child. For more information regarding Virginia’s approach to transitioning a child with special needs to the next learning milestone, click here.