Issues and Theories Related to Implementation of a PPCD Program

EDSP 5381
Dr. Reed
Submitted by Kelly Thurber
What is PPCD?
Under IDEA eligible children with disabilities, ages 3-21, are entitled to receive a
free and appropriate public education (FAPE). The public school program for young
children, ages 3-5, is called the Preschool Program for Children with Disabilities.
Who decides if a child is eligible for PPCD?
If a child is in an ECI program, the service provider will let the school district know
that a preschooler may be eligible for public school services. This is the first step in
the referral process. This step must begin 90 days before the childs 3 rd birthday.
If a child is not participating in an ECI program, the parents or other caregivers will
make the referral and contact the principal of the neighborhood school to start the
process.
What will preschoolers learn?
Once eligibility is determined, the ARD committee makes decisions about the
appropriate special education and related services for the child. An IEP is
established. Knowing what is expected of typically developing preschoolers is a
good starting point for curriculum. Children with disabilities may need
accommodations or modifications. Programs that are language-rich will help
promote speech and early literacy. Active play will also help preschoolers explore
their surroundings, learn social concepts.
Where will PPCD services be administered?
PPCD is not necessarily a place. Special education and related services can be
provided in a variety of settings. Preschool programs for children with disabilities
should be delivered in the least restrictive environment.
Implementing a PPCD Program
Understanding who the students are and what they need from a preschool program
is key. A model program is the Early Childhood program at UWs Waisman Center.
Special needs students and typically developing children are integrated in the same
classroom.
Teachers use sign language and speech during the school day. The teachers assist
special needs children with social skills training. The typically developed children
are engaged with the special needs children and all work well together. The

teachers help facilitate conversation. This lab school has been open since 1979 and
serves as a model for other preschools across the country. Each classroom has
several staff members and parents pay tuition. Student teachers are utilized as
well. The curriculum is open-ended. The teachers at the school develop a
curriculum based on the interests of the particular groups of children they are
working with. Such an open-ended and play-based curriculum allows children with
different abilities to participate at their own speed.
There are many organizations that can assist with the implementation of these
types of programs. The Center on the Social and Emotional Foundations for Early
Learning is focused on promoting the social emotional development of school
readiness of young children birth age 5.
The important point to remember is that special needs children can be integrated
into a general education preschool setting. Both types of students will benefit from
the interaction and studies show that the general education students develop more
empathy and patience as a result. To implement a program, teachers and staff
need to open to creating unique curricula related to the students they serve.
Staffing is an issue in order for it to work well, there needs to be a lower than
average student to teacher ratio. The teacher will be individualizing instruction so it
is important to have enough time to engage all of the students.