Diana Kochert

Executive Director of Special Education

Diana.Kochert@nacs.k12.in.us

Phone: 260-637-7168

Olivia Shaffer

Assistant Director of Special Education

Olivia.Shaffer@nacs.k12.in.us

Phone: 260-637-7168

Christine Parker

Early Childhood Program Supervisor

Christine.Parker@nacs.k12.in.us

Phone: 260-637-7168

Lindsay Meyer

Student Data Specialist - Special Education

Lindsay.Meyer@nacs.k12.in.us

Phone: 260-637-7168

Fax: 260-637-8355

Requesting an Educational Evaluation
At any time, you have the right to request an educational evaluation to determine if your child is in need of special education services. Please contact your child’s teacher, principal or guidance counselor if you would like to request such an evaluation. If you request an educational evaluation, the school will consider the appropriateness of your request in light of your child’s educational needs and academic progress. The school has ten school days to notify you in writing regarding their decision as to whether or not to conduct the evaluation. If you have any questions in regard to this process, please contact your child’s principal for more information.

NACS offers early childhood special education services for our students between the ages of 3-5 with disabilities.

Walk-in Speech and Language Services

A child, between the ages of 3-5 and living within the NACS district, may be referred for a speech and language evaluation by their parent or by First Steps. If deemed appropriate, an evaluation will be conducted to determine if speech and language therapy is needed for the child to access his or her education.

This service provides articulation and/or language therapy, to qualifying children, on a scheduled basis by a NACS Speech Language Pathologist. This service is for children demonstrating articulation substitutions and errors that are impacting their ability to be understood or communicate effectively with those around them, and/or for children who are unable to understand or use language to successfully express their wants and needs.

A parent may contact the NACS special education office at 260-637-7168 to inquire about this service.

Developmental Preschool Classrooms

A child, between the ages 3-5 and living within the NACS district, may be referred for an evaluation by their parent or by First Steps for possible placement in one of our developmental preschool classrooms. If deemed appropriate, an evaluation will be conducted to determine if the child demonstrates a moderate delay in two of the five areas assessed or a significant delay in one of the areas assessed. The five areas evaluated include speech and language, fine and gross motor, cognitive, social/emotional areas, and adaptive functions. If a child demonstrates qualifying delays and areas of concern that cannot be met in a community preschool, he or she could be recommended to attend the NACS developmental preschool. Children attending our developmental preschool must be eligible for special education services through an evaluation and subsequent IEP.

The developmental preschool addresses areas of need in a highly structured environment, led by a licensed special education preschool teacher and paraprofessional(s.) The students are provided with a fun and nurturing preschool experience that addresses communication, self-help skills, social interaction skills with peers and adults, behaviors associated with school routines, as well as exposure to early pre-academic skills. If a student is found eligible and he or she demonstrates a need that may not be met within the classroom setting, speech therapy, physical therapy, and occupational therapy may also be provided while the student attends the developmental preschool.

A parent may contact the NACS special education office at 260-637-7168 to inquire about this program.

FAQs - EARLY CHILDHOOD PROGRAM

How is this preschool different from community preschool?

This program is a developmental preschool that supports students who are eligible for special education services and supports. These children have needs that require specially designed instruction and related services in order to access their education successfully. A child must qualify through an evaluation process to receive these services.

Is there a cost to attend the developmental preschool?

Currently, there is no fee for attending the developmental preschool. Teachers may request some school supplies and community snacks to be provided when attending the program.

Is transportation provided?

Transportation is provided to and from the preschool program on a bus, from within the district lines. Only preschool students ride this bus, and special safety harnesses approved for bus transportation are used to support the safety of our young students during transit.

What days/times is the developmental preschool in session?

The developmental preschool offers a 3-hour AM or 3-hour PM session Monday through Thursday at Cedar Canyon Elementary and Hickory Center Elementary. The number of days, and the AM or PM session, is determined by the case conference committee based on the age and needs of the student.

Can peer buddies attend the preschool program?

Yes, we are always looking for appropriate peer buddies to join our preschool classrooms. Peer buddies should be at least 4 years old and have no developmental, speech/language, or social-behavioral concerns. Peer buddy placement is not guaranteed. Currently, transportation is not provided for peer buddies and is the responsibility of the parent.

If your question hasn’t been answered or if you would like to learn more, please reach out to a member of our team.