Inclusion & Special Needs

SELC is committed to creating an inclusive environment where all children can learn, grow, and thrive. The early years are critical for building the foundations of learning and wellness, and children with disabilities benefit from rich, developmentally appropriate experiences alongside their peers. In partnership with families, SELC works to support each child’s learning and developmental goals within the classroom and program.

Identifying developmental concerns early and connecting families with appropriate services is essential to supporting long‑term success. SELC strives to accommodate the learning and developmental needs of all children and to collaborate closely with families and specialists.

Families of children with identified special needs should provide SELC with a copy of their child’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP). These documents are shared only with the child’s teacher and are stored securely in the front office.

Sharing the plan ensures that:

• teachers understand the child’s goals and recommended strategies

• developmentally appropriate supports are implemented consistently

• the child’s learning and developmental needs are met throughout the day

Families should notify SELC of any updates to the plan. A signed release allowing communication between SELC, therapists, and medical providers helps ensure coordinated support.

In the event of an emergency or disaster, accommodations outlined in the child’s IEP will be followed to support safe evacuation.

If a parent or teacher has concerns about a child’s development—physical, cognitive, emotional, social, or behavioral—SELC staff will complete an Ages & Stages Questionnaire (ASQ) and share the results with the family.

When further evaluation is recommended, SELC will assist families in contacting:

• Child Find

• BOCES

These agencies are part of Colorado’s system for identifying developmental delays. Evaluations are provided at no cost to families and assess how a child plays, learns, speaks, behaves, and moves to determine whether early intervention or special education services are needed.

SELC works collaboratively with families, specialists, and consultants to support children with a wide range of needs. However, SELC staff do not hold specialized degrees in every disability or health condition. In some cases, after consultation with the family, nurse consultant, and other professionals, SELC may determine that we are unable to meet a child’s specific needs.

If this occurs, SELC will work closely with specialists to support the family in finding a more appropriate placement that can best meet the child’s needs.