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Special Education and Peer Model Program

Special Education Program

Early Childhood Special Education services are specially designed services for children ages three through Kindergarten entry with a developmental delay in one or more areas:

  • Physical: Fine motor, gross motor, sensory
  • Cognitive: Problem solving, thinking skills
  • Communication: Language, articulation
  • Social/Emotional/Behavior
  • Adaptive/Self-Help: Dressing, feeding  

To be eligible, a student must first attend a Project KIDS Screening. Those accepted into the EC program will receive notification after the screening process. Additional Information: 

  • Location(s): Cooper Elementary, Derby Hills Elementary, El Paso Elementary, Oaklawn Elementary, Park Hill Elementary, Stone Creek Elementary, Swaney Elementary and Wineteer Elementary
  • Hours of service: Tuesday-Friday, 1/2 day (morning and afternoon classes)
  • Fee: No cost

Peer Model Program

In conjunction with the Early Childhood Special Education program, eligible students without disabilities are selected through a lottery system to serve as “peer models.” Students must be screened and recommended through Project KIDS. 

Additional Information: 

  • Location(s): Cooper Elementary, Derby Hills Elementary, El Paso Elementary, Oaklawn Elementary, Park Hill Elementary, Stone Creek Elementary, Swaney Elementary and Wineteer Elementary
  • Hours of service: Tuesday-Friday, 1/2 day (morning and afternoon classes)
  • Fee: $25 textbook fee and a $225 semester fee. Fees can be adjusted or waived for students who qualify for free or reduced meals. Waiver form must be filled out to receive waiver. Fees are subject to change. Tuition fees will be due on or before the first day of school of each semester.

Project KIDS Screenings

Project KIDS is a free developmental screening in Derby which identifies children, 2 years 9 months to 5, with developmental delays. Children will be screened in the areas of hearing, vision, self-help, thinking, coordination, social/emotional and speaking. Screenings are completed in a relaxed environment with staff who specialize in early childhood. Screenings take approximately one hour. Parents are required to stay in the building while their child is screened. Childcare is not provided. View upcoming times/dates under the Frequently Asked Questions section.

Contact Information

For more information, contact our Special Services Department at (316) 554-8004.

Learn more about the special Services Department

Frequently Asked Questions