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School Effectiveness
Early Childhood Education
Frequently Asked Questions
ECE Home Page |Preschool|K-3 Information|Child Development
Questions
- How do I know if my child is developing normally?
If your child is zero to three years of age and you are concerned about his/her development, contact the Arizona Early Intervention Program for more information on services. If your child is over the age of three, contact your school district to arrange to have your child screened. If you do not know the name of your school district, you may find it by visiting the school search page and entering your zip code. The district will be listed with the schools in your zip code area.
- What is Early Childhood Special Education?
Special Education and related services are part of a state and federally mandated program for children (ages 3-5) who meet state eligibility criteria because they are experiencing developmental delays . Eligibility for children is determined by criteria that have been established by federal and state rules and regulation.
- School districts and other public agencies are responsible for locating, identifying and evaluating eligible children and offering a free and appropriate public education (FAPE). Special education and related services for preschool aged children is referred to as early childhood special education (ECSE). It is important to remember that special education is not a place, but a system of services and supports for children with disabilities.
- ECSE services are provided through federal funding under the IDEA! and State General Revenue funds.
- Does my child need to be evaluated for special education services?
All children develop at different rates. Some guidelines exist to help parents and educators determine if a child may be in need of special services to accommodate his or her individual needs. To find out more, choose the age level of your child.
Birth to age 3
Ages 3-5
Kindergarten through age 21
If your child is zero to three years of age and you are concerned about his/her development, contact the Arizona Early Intervention Program for more information on services. If your child is over the age of three, contact your school district to arrange to have your child screened. If you do not know the name of your school district, you may find it by visiting the school search page and entering your zip code. The district will be listed with the schools in your zip code area.
- Will my child qualify for Head Start?
In September 2004, the Attorney General's Office issued an opinion regarding the Department of Health Services (DHS) licensure exemption for classrooms used exclusively for preschool children with qualifying disabilities. The opinion also addressed instances when children with disabilities are included in other preschool classrooms that are not fee-based. For more information regarding this opinion, go to www.ag.state.az.us/opinions/2004/104-009.pdf. Questions about preschool licensing requirements may be directed to the Office of Child Care Licensure at the Department of Health Services at 602.364.2539 or 1.800.615.8555.
- Are there other free or low cost preschool programs available if my child does not qualify for Head Start?
Many school districts and Charter Schools in Arizona participate in the Early Childhood Block
Grant Program. By participating in the program, schools receive funds that may be used to help
finance preschool for children who qualify for free or reduced lunches according to the
USDA Income Guidelines. Private providers
may also contract with school districts and charter holders to provide preschool to qualified
children. To find an Early Childhood Block Grant preschool program near you, contact your local
school district.
- I don't qualify for Head Start or a State-funded preschool program. What other options are available?
Several resources are available to help Arizona parents find preschool programs for their
children. You may obtain lists of preschool programs in your area by contacting Arizona Child Care
Resource and Referral. Parents should visit prospective preschool programs before enrolling their
children to determine whether or not it is an appropriate environment for their child. Parents
are encouraged to observe the preschool classrooms and interactions between teachers and children.
To assist parents with choosing quality care and educational experience for their child, the
Arizona Department of Health Services has created A Parent's Child Care Checklist . The checklist
is designed to help parents make informed decisions about early care and education settings for
their children.
- What is the Kindergarten age requirement in Arizona?
According to the Arizona Education Code 15-821 (C), "a child is eligible for admission to
kindergarten if the child is five years of age. A child is deemed five years of age if the child
reached the age of five before September 1 of the current school year… The governing board may
admit children who have not reached the required age as prescribed by this subsection if it is
determined to be in the best interest of the children. Such children must reach the required age
of five for kindergarten…by January 1 of the current school year." Contact your local school
district or charter for specific information about their admission policy.
- How do I register my child for Kindergarten?
To register your child for kindergarten, contact the school your child will be attending. If you do not know which school your child will attend, contact the school district for your area. You may look up the school district by name, or you may view a list of the schools and districts that are located within your zip code area.
- How do I find out what school my child should attend?
You may determine which public school your child will attend by contacting your Local Education
Agency or School District. If you do not know the name of your school district, you may obtain the
information by entering your zip code on the ADE School Search page. When you search by zip code,
you will see a list of all public and charter schools that are located within that zip code area.
You may click on "View Information" for any of the public schools to determine which public district
serves your area. Contact the school district to determine which of the schools your child will
attend.
- How can I find quality childcare?
Choosing childcare for your child is an important decision. The following resources may be helpful in choosing the setting that works best for you and for your child and provides information about child care requirements
Parent's Childcare Checklist - A helpful tool to be used by parents when visiting a prospective childcare center or home.
A Parent's Guide to Childcare - intended to familiarize parents with the rules and regulations that govern certified and licensed childcare. It also provides information about the Department of Health Services, Office of Child Care Licensure's role and responsibilities in the childcare industry.
Child Care Licensing Regulations - The Arizona Administrative Code for Department of Health Services Office of Child Care Licensure regulations. Complete with regulation numbers and definition of terms.
For help finding a childcare provider:
Arizona Child Care Resource and Referral - a community service that matches parents seeking childcare with childcare resources and provides ongoing information about childcare in Arizona.
DHS Licensed Child Care Centers and Group Homes in Arizona - a list of licensed providers in Arizona by zip code.
For information about receiving childcare cost assistance:
Arizona Department of Economic Security Child Care Administration - - assists eligible families with child care costs, enabling parents to participate in employment and specific education and training activities related to employment, or in certain other circumstances when parents are unable to provide care.
Contact Information
Early Childhood Education
Arizona Department of Education
1535 W. Jefferson Street, Bin #15
Phoenix, AZ 85007
Tel: 602-364-1530
Fax: 602-542-2730
Amy Corriveau, Deputy Associate Superintendent
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