The Appalachia IU8 Preschool Program is an educational support service for children 3 to 5 years old who are experiencing developmental delays. IU 8 serves children in a four county area (Blair, Bedford, Cambria and Somerset) at no charge to the family.
A child who has a 25 percent delay in any developmental area, such as personal-social, self help, motor, language and pre-academic skills may qualify for services. The child must also be in need of “specially designed instruction”. This implies that the child is not likely to acquire the needed skills in a timely manner without direct instructional support or some modification of the regular preschool program.
If you suspect that your child may have a delay in one or more of these developmental areas, program personnel will evaluate your child to determine if he/she qualifies for services from IU 8’s preschool program. IU 8 provides support services to children in their natural preschool environment whenever possible. Depending on the child’s needs, services provided may include instructional support, speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, hearing impaired support, vision impaired support and autistic support.
In the Tyrone/Bellwood area, IU 8 works with children in the Head Start program, the Tyrone Elementary School’s K-4 program and in private preschools in the Tyrone/Bellwood area. The Intermediate Unit 8 Preschool Program provides the instructional support that the child needs, as well as support, training or materials to the regular preschool staff so that they are better able to meet the needs of the children.
It is the Intermediate Unit’s goal to serve all children in a classroom with their peers when appropriate. However, for children exhibiting more significant developmental delays, this may not always be possible or in the child’s best interest. In addition to providing support within regular preschool programs in the area, two specialized classrooms are located in the Tyrone Elementary School to help meet the needs of local children who are exhibiting greater levels of need.
If you are concerned about your child’s development, call the IU 8 Early Intervention Office toll free at 1-800-228-7900 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. for more information or to request an evaluation.
Developmental Tip: Help your child understand language. Try communicating at your child’s eye level. Use language that is appropriate for your child’s developmental level. Speak clearly, using short, simple sentences. Be specific, using the names or labels of objects. Repeat, repeat, repeat! Use actions or gestures as cues for understanding if your child does not attach meaning to words. Spend time each day reading to your child.
