Changes in Services for Preschoolers With Disabilities

• Teachers indicated that 89 percent of the children received speech or language therapy in the 2003-04 school year, and 86 percent of the children received it in the 2004-05 school year. Occupational therapy (32% in 2003-04 and 35% in 2004-05) and learning strategies/study skills assistance by a special educator (30% in 2003-04 and 20% in 2004-05) were also commonly reported services both years.
• From Wave 1 to Wave 2, there was a statistically significant decrease in the percentage of children receiving nine types of services. For example, service coordination/case management decreased from 25 percent to 9 percent; training, counseling, or other supports/services for the children's family decreased from 16 percent to 5 percent; and learning strategies/study skills assistance decreased from 30 percent to 20 percent. The one service showing a significant increase from 2003-04 to 2004-05 was help from a one-to-one paraeducator or assistant, which increased from 10 to 13 percent.
• The mean number of special education and related services provided to young children with disabilities decreased from 3.5 in 2003-04 to 2.8 in 2004-05.
• From Wave 1 to Wave 2, the mean hours per week children with disabilities spent in a regular education classroom increased significantly, from 8.2 hours to 15.0 hours, and time in special education settings decreased significantly, from 8.0 hours a week to 6.2 hours a week.