Early Childhood Education Services

General Information

There are eighteen Early Childhood "Centers" located in public schools throughout the county. At these sites, Early Childhood Staff provide specialized services for infants, toddlers, and preschoolers who are found eligible for services through an evaluation process. Children with developmental delays who are enrolled in Clackamas County Head Start also receive specialized instruction from Department Staff in their classrooms.

ODE Annual Report Card - click here

Referral

We regularly receive referrals from a variety of sources including parents, community preschools, local school districts, physicians, other community service providers, and regional evaluation sources. Although only a parent can begin the process of determining a child's eligibility, anyone can bring concerns about a child's development to our attention. If you have questions or would like to make a referral, please email the Early Childhood Department or call (503) 675-4097 for assistance.

Early Childhood Information

Clackamas ESD began providing services for young children with special needs in Clackamas County well in advance of state or federal legislative mandates. Special instructional services and parent education have been provided for more than thirty years. Over time, services have been expanded and added with the continuing goal of working with families, local school districts, and other community programs to prepare young children with special learning needs to enter kindergarten ready to learn.

Children are referred to programs in the Early Childhood Department from a variety of sources including parents, community preschools, local school districts, physicians, other community service providers, and regional evaluation sources.

Developmental Evaluations to determine eligibility for Early Intervention and Early Childhood Special Education are provided as a resolution service of the ESD. Evaluations include an observation of the child in a comfortable setting, in-depth interviews with family members, and an evaluation in all developmental areas of concern. A written report including planning suggestions is prepared and results of the assessment are shared with families.

Click here for a printable overview brochure of the Early Childhood department.