Burrell School District works with the Westmoreland Intermediate Unit #7 for transition from early intervention programs to kindergarten or first grade programs to do so without interruption in program.
Early intervention programs are annually responsible for identifying, by February 1, all children who are approaching the age for kindergarten or first grade and notifying families of children approaching kindergarten age that their children may remain in early intervention for another year, informing families about the transition process; convening transition meetings (which must also be attended by the district of residence); and ascertaining whether the family intends to register the child with their school district of residence for the next year.
- What is the Early Intervention Program at WIU?
Early Intervention provides programs and services to children ages 3 to 5 who are developmentally delayed or have special needs.
- Who is Eligible?
Children between the ages of 3 and 5 with developmental delays of 25% or more in at least one of the following areas:
- Cognitive
- Communication
- Physical
- Self-Help
- Social-Emotional
Children must have a disability or 25% delay and be in need of specially designed instruction. A comprehensive evaluation will determine this.
- What Services are Available?
Services include:
- Speech/Language Therapy
- Hearing and/or Vision Therapy
- Physical Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Developmental Therapy
- Preschool Programs
- Approved Private Schools
- Psychological Services
- Psychiatric Consultation
- Behavior Consultants
- Who Provides These Services?
These services are provided by staff either licensed or certified by the state of Pennsylvania. All information is confidential. All services are free of charge.
- How do I Make a Referral?
Referrals are made by calling the WIU Early Intervention Program at 724-836-2460 or 1-800-327-9487 between the hours of 8:00 am and 4:00 pm. Referrals for children ages birth to 3 can be made by calling Westmoreland Casemanagement at 724-837-1808. For children that are over the age of 5 and are enrolled in a school-age program, contact Burrell School District, Department of Special Education at 724-334-1483 extension 5053.
For those children whose parents have indicated their intention to register them in a district kindergarten or first grade, school districts must conduct multidisciplinary evaluations (MDE) and develop individualized educational programs (IEP) in accordance with the timelines mandated in Pa. Code Chapter 14.