Early Childhood Special Education Academy Frequently Asked Questions:
Do you provide busing for my child?
Yes, busing is provided at no cost to the parents, if the IEP determines there is a need. The children are picked up and delivered to a location close to their home. Parents must be present when preschoolers are picked up and when they are dropped off at home.
First Student Transportation 425 Sugar Ave. 406-248-3667
What is the cost of preschool?
A combination of federal, state, and local school district monies fund the preschool program. There is no cost to the child or parents for the agreed upon preschool services to transportation provided.
Does my child need to be potty trained?
No, a child’s ability to use the bathroom independently is not a requirement for enrollment in the Special Education Academy Preschool.
How many teachers are in the classroom with my child?
Our self-contained classrooms are each staffed with one highly qualified special education teacher and a minimum of 2 trained and qualified Special Needs Assistants.
Do you serve breakfast or lunch for my child while they are at school?
No. Food services are not provided for preschool students and your child should have breakfast/lunch before coming to school. Snack supplies are included on the list of school supplies that your child is asked to bring to for his/her classroom and snack time is a regularly scheduled part of each classroom. Some accommodations can be made for special dietary needs, but if your child has special dietary needs, you may be responsible for providing snack for your child.
Can my child come to school more days?
Children are placed in classrooms based on their IEP and educational needs. A child’s needs and Individualized Educational Plan [IEP] determine the child’s classroom placement and the number of days the child will attend and how many days the child will receive services.
What time does school start/end for the day?
The morning sessions begin at 9:00 am and end at 11:30 am. Children may arrive at school no earlier than 8:55 am and must be picked up at 11:30 am. The afternoon sessions begin at 12:20 pm and end at 2:50 pm. Children may arrive at school no earlier than 12:15 am and must be picked up at 2:50 pm.
Can my child receive Speech and Language, Occupational Therapy, and Physical Therapy Services at school?
If evaluations demonstrate an educational need for a child to have Speech and Language, Occupational Therapy, or Physical Therapy Services at school in order to receive and participate in education services in the school setting, these services will be included in the child’s IEP and the child will receive these services in the school setting.
Can I observe what my child’s day looks like while they are at school?
Currently, classroom visitations are suspended due to COVID restrictions. See the following information for when they resume.