Lydia Jones Nunn
 Supervisor

Diane Bonanni
Coordinating Supervisor

H. Winship Wheatley ECC
8808 Ritchie Drive
Capitol Heights, MD 20743

(301) 808-2723
(301) 808-2725 FAX

Department of Special Education

Early Childhood Program

         The mission of the Early Childhood Special Education Program is to provide early intervention for children from birth to school age with developmental delays or disabilities.  Intervention is based on the child’s identified strengths and needs with a focus on developmentally appropriate practices utilizing a transdisciplinary approach.  The program strives to deliver services in the least restrictive environment for each individual child which may be a school setting, community program or other natural environment as determined by the child’s team including their family.  Early Childhood Special Education is part of the Prince George’s County Public Schools Early Childhood Program and collaborates closely with Prekindergarten and Head Start to help meet the needs of all young learners.

 Program Components

Infant Toddler:
Infant/Toddler services (ages birth through 2) are available to children and their families in natural environments deemed appropriate to the students needs depending on the students Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP).  The Infant Toddler Program is a partnership with other County agencies including the Health Department and the Arc of Prince George’s County.  Children can be referred to the program by calling the Infant Toddler Intake Line at 301-265-8415.

Child Find:
Child Find assists with the identification of students ages 3 through 5 who may be eligible for preschool special education services. Services are based on the student’s individual needs, and are delivered in a variety of settings within Prince George’s County Public Schools and community sites.  Children can be referred to the program by calling Child Find at 301-808-2719.
Child Find Brochure:
Child Find Brochure, Spanish: 

Program Initiatives

Increase in Inclusive Opportunities:
Early inclusive opportunities promote development of social skills, language skills and cognitive development.  Students are more prepared for Kindergarten and future school success. Preschool children with special needs are returning to their neighborhood school to be part of their community based on Individual Education Program team decisions.  The Early Childhood Special Education Office provides support and services to all schools with preschool aged special education students.

2008-2009 Training Initiative:
The Early Childhood Program will embark on a system wide  initiative entitled Maryland Social Emotional Foundations of Early Learning (MD-SEFEL). Social and emotional development refers to the developing capacity of the child from birth through five years of age to form close and secure adult and peer relationships; experience, regulate and express emotions in socially and culturally appropriate ways; and explore the environment and learn- all in the context of family, community, and culture.

 
Parent-Infant Program (PIP) 

PGCPS Early Childhood Office

PGCPS Head Start 

MSDE- The Division of Special Education/Early Intervention Services

The Arc of Prince George's County 

MSDE- The Early Childhood Gateway

Ready At Five Partnership

Judy Center 

Center on the Social & Emotional Foundations for Early Learning

Special Education Programs:
Program Fact Sheets
Program Locations