Why are early childhood special education programs usually more receptive than are “regular” early childhood programs when family members ask for new and expanded services?
The answer revolves around how these programs are funded. “Regular” early childhood programs often are tuition-based, meaning that families pay for services. By contrast, early childhood special education programs are entitlement-based, meaning that government pays for services for eligible young children and families. Thus, families whose children are enrolled in “regular” early childhood programs tend to be interested in curtailing costs (keeping tuition low). Families whose young children are eligible under the IDEA, however, are not charged for most services. For that reason, there is no price sensitivity on the part of these families. Those differences in family pressures cause programs to react differently when any one family requests new and expanded services.
Related Questions
- Why are early childhood special education programs usually more receptive than are "regular" early childhood programs when family members ask for new and expanded services?
- What examples have you seen of effective partnerships between parents, teachers, and community members in early childhood programs?
- What kind of models or demonstration programs have been implemented in early childhood special education?
