Preschool Delay

A preschool child is one ". . . who is at least three years of age but has not reached the required age for kindergarten . . ." (five by September 1), according to Arizona Revised Statutes (ARS) §15-761(22).

ARS §15-761(23) defines a preschool moderate delay as ". . . performance by a preschool child on a norm-referenced test that measures at least one and one-half, but not more than three, standard deviations below the mean for children of the same chronological age in two or more of the following areas:

• a. Cognitive development.
• b. Physical development.
• c. Communication development.
• d. Social or emotional development.
• e. Adaptive development."

The results of the tests must be supported by information from a comprehensive developmental assessment and from parental input.

According to ARS §15-761(24), a severe delay is defined as ". . . performance by a preschool child on a norm-referenced test that measures more than three standard deviations below the mean for children of the same chronological age in one or more . . ." of the areas listed in (a)-(e) above.

A preschool speech/language delay means ". . . performance by a preschool child on a norm-referenced language test that measures at least one and one half standard deviations below the mean for children of the same chronological age or whose speech, out of con-text, is unintelligible to a listener who is unfamiliar with the child . . ." [ARS §15-761(25)]. Eligibility under this category is only appropriate when a child meets evaluation criteria and is not eligible for services under other preschool categories.

A standard deviation is a unit used to measure the amount by which a particular score differs from the average (mean) of all scores in the sample. Different tests have different standard deviations.

How Common Are Preschool Delays?
In the 1997-98 school year, 5,517 Arizona students were classified as having preschool delays and received special education services. This number represents .694 percent of the 794,928 children enrolled in Arizona public schools as of October 1, 1997.

What Effect Do Preschool Delays Have on a Child?
Each child with a preschool delay has a unique combination of abilities and disabilities. Skills that most children acquire in the first five years of life need to be specially taught to children with a combination of deficits. A program which helps improve thinking, language, movement, self-help, play, and social skills is important for development of a preschool child's potential. As with all students, appropriate placement in the least restrictive environment is essential.

With advances in research and technology, especially assistive technology, children with disabilities can achieve at levels not previously thought possible. Technology examples are: augmentative and alternative communication, powered mobility, fixed and adjustable back supports, magnification aids, amplification devices, and specially designed switches.

As preschool children make the transition to kindergarten, the preschool category in which they were served is reviewed. Eligibility criteria for students, ages 5-21, is used to determine which disability classification for special education in ARS §15-761 is appropriate.