Early Childhood Direction Centers
The Early Childhood Direction Centers (ECDCs) provide information and referral services for children with disabilities ages birth through five, as well as professional development and technical assistance for families and preschool providers to improve results for preschool students with disabilities. The targeted areas for improved outcomes are early literacy and communication, social-emotional skills and positive behaviors.
The ECDCs provide information about:
- preschool programs,
- special education services,
- evaluation and assessment services,
- parent education programs and resources,
- and the State's early intervention system.
Services include assistance to providers, school districts and families to:
- match the needs of children with available services,
- assist parents in obtaining services,
- follow-up to ensure that children receive services,
- promote coordinating services between agencies, and
- understand the special education process for preschool students with disabilities.
Additional Resources:
- Brochure - Identifying Children with Autism Spectrum Disorder - Information for Physicians and Primary Health Care Providers (9/02)
- Special Education in New York State for Children Ages 3-21: A Parent's Guide
- Autism Program Quality Indicators - A self-review and quality improvement guide for schools and programs serving students with autism spectrum disorders.
- Information for Parents of Preschool Students with Disabilities Ages 3-5
- Early Intervention
Program
- National Early Childhood Technical
Assistance Center
Last Updated:
March 16, 2016