With infants, the primary strategy is a home-based stimulation program. Recognizing parents as the primary teachers of their child, an infant specialist attempts to demonstrate developmental techniques for parents and then monitors development. Infants are seen twice weekly in their homes.

Toddlers

With toddlers (ages 18 months to 3 years) the Intermediate School's staff provides a home/school program. Parents bring their child to a classroom setting (Monroe County Educational Center or Jefferson Early Childhood Center) one morning a week, where they are a part of an inclusive classroom experience with other toddlers and their families. Interdisciplinary teams of speech and language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and a preschool special education teacher work with groups of children to provide meaningful educational experiences that enhance development in all areas. Parent support is also provided by a social worker/school psychologist. Parents and children are engaged in educational activities that may be carried out at home.

Pre-School Aged Children

MCISD implements a program which is referred to as the Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) Program/Services. Children with cognitive, physical, or other health impairments attend ECSE classrooms. Children who have a significant delay (at least a year) in communication skills, or children with emotional problems which are impeding their learning ability are considered for placement. These classrooms are located throughout the county in school buildings at local school districts, including the Jefferson Early Childhood Center, Riverside Early Learning Center, Summerfield Elementary School, Jackman Road Elementary School and Douglas Road Elementary School. Preschool-age children with hearing impairments attend regular school day classes daily at Ida Public Schools. In all ECSE classrooms an emphasis is placed on developing skills that will enable children to succeed in the school setting. Each child receives appropriate services designed to meet his or her individual educational needs.