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1440 Lakeside Ave. Cleveland, Ohio 44114

Contact: specialed@cmsdspecial.net

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Preschool Child With Disabilities Program (PCD)


The Special Education Preschool Child With Disabilities Program (PCD) is a non-category program for children between the ages of 3 years to 5 years old. The children are served through a continuum of program options in the least restrictive environment appropriate for the child. Instructional activities and special services are provided on an individual basis in accordance with a team developed specialized Individualized Education Program (IEP). Related services include speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy and curb-to-curb transportation. Itinerant teaching and parent mentor services are also available.

Eligibility for the PCD Program requires that children:

Are at least three years of age and may remain in the PCD program until they reach compulsory school age.

Exhibit significant delays

Documented deficits in one or more of the following areas:
communication skills, motor functioning, social-emotional/behavioral functioning, cognitive abilities, adaptive behavior, hearing or vision as determined by a multidisciplinary team through multi-factored evaluation.

The goals and activities of the PCD program represent the combined, cooperative efforts of teachers, related service staff and parents working together. Each child’s participation in a program which meets individual needs, abilities, and interests prepares him or her for continuous, successful school experiences.

Speech and Language Therapy is an integral part of the Preschool Special Education Program. Speech-language therapists are assigned to each preschool classroom. There are a variety of ways to provide therapy support. One way is through the “collaborative” model, where services are provided in the classroom and the therapists work side-by-side with the teacher, other staff members, and parents. Another way is through the model, where services are provided individually or to small groups of children within the classroom or in a separate room outside of the classroom.