The Acorn Patch (Early Childhood Special Education)

The Acorn Patch offers children with developmental delays the chance to reach their potential in the important early years of childhood, giving them a jump-start on the rest of their education.

Funded by the state of Missouri, The Acorn Patch is a no-cost program for families of eligible children who are three to five years old. The state defines eligibility, and the Kearney R-1 School District provides special education services, such as early childhood special education instruction, speech, occupational therapy and physical therapy.

In order to be eligible for The Acorn Patch, the child's development must:

• be at or below 1.5 standard deviations or equivalent levels, of the mean in any two areas of development, or
• at or below 2.0 standard deviations or equivalent levels in one area of development, and
• the child must need special education and/or related services
• (Areas of development that can be used to determine eligibility include physical, cognitive, communication, social/emotional and/or adaptive.)

Whenever possible and appropriate, services are provided in the environment where the child typically spends his or her daycare, Head Start, etc.), but some children may require services that are provided in a group setting primarily designed for children with disabilities. Services may be provided to children on a one-on-one basis, in small groups, or in a classroom setting. The Acorn Patch teachers work with regular education teachers, paraprofessionals and caregivers in addressing the child's special education needs. Services cannot be provided at a childcare or preschool program that is affiliated with a religious organization.

In the spring before a child is eligible for kindergarten, The Acorn Patch works with parents and elementary school staff to ensure a smooth transition for children and families.

• The Acorn Patch (Early Childhood Special Education)
• Elementary School Special Services
• Middle School/Junior High Special Services
• High School Special Services
• State School
• Speech and Language
• Occupational Therapy
• Physical Therapy
• Assistive Technology
• Vision Services
• Hearing Services
• Gifted Education
• Glossary of Terms for Special Services
• Procedural Safeguards for Children and Parents (August 2009)
• Parent Bill of Rights
• Referral Process
• Private School Consultation
• No Child Left Behind Letter
• Family Educational and Privacy Rights Act
• Surrogate Parent Notice
• Public Notice
• Special Education Evaluation Form