Head Start Disabilities
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my child has a disability?
If you are applying for Head Start in a district with a Region 10 Head Start partnership, check on the application that you have a concern about your child having a possible disability. You can provide details in the parent interview if your child is selected to be in the program. The Disabilities Consultant will then pass your information along to the District Child Find contact. For general information regarding young children being tested for possible disabilities, please see Texas Project First. If your child has been diagnosed with a disability by the medical community, please be aware that it does not guarantee that he or she will qualify for a disability by the school district. This is because there must be an educational need in order for the child to qualify.
Does an identified disability guarantee a slot in Head Start?
No. Although a school district or a public charter may have an identified your child as having a disability, this does not guarantee a slot in Head Start. Head Start must serve the children with the highest needs. There are multiple factors that determine which children have the highest need. Region 10 Head Start may serve a few children (a maximum of 10% across the program) with identified disabilities whose families are considered to be over-income; however, this depends upon multiple factors, such as slot availability, children on the waiting list, etc.
I am waiting on my child to be tested by the school district. What can I do while I am waiting?
If possible, see what community activities are available for your child (library story time, art classes, etc.). Apply for Head Start, as well as Pre-K. Check with your insurance company and with your doctor to see what services your child might qualify for within the medical community. If your child is enrolled in a Region 10 Head Start classroom, consult with your child's teacher and with your Family Resource Specialist regarding your concerns.
I attended my first ARD meeting and have noticed that there are many acronyms in special education. What do they mean?
In ARD meetings, I hear a lot about accommodations and modifications. What do these terms mean?
What are the benefits of a child with a disability being included in a Head Start classroom?
Children with disabilities who are included in general education settings, when appropriate, with same-age peers are able to practice having conversations (including hearing the language) of their non-disabled peers. They are also exposed to multiple social/emotional learning opportunities. The ARD/IEP committee (which parents are a part of) make the determination regarding the appropriateness of placement of children with identified disabilities).
Inclusion also benefits children without disabilities. It gives them the opportunity to work with children with diverse abilities and sometimes provides them with leadership opportunities if they assist students with disabilities in the classroom setting.
For additional information on inclusion, see the following: