Preschool Special Education

Maryland’s system of Preschool Special Education Services provides specialized instruction and related services, such as speech-language therapy, physical and occupational therapy, to young children, ages three through five, determined eligible under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and in accordance with State regulations for special education. Through twenty-four local school systems, the Maryland School for the Blind and the Maryland School for the Deaf, Maryland’s system of preschool special education services ensures the provision of a Free Appropriate Public Education to all eligible children at no cost to their families, and in the Least Restrictive Environment. LRE means that young children with disabilities should receive services in regular community and school-based early childhood programs and settings whenever possible, and only go to a more specialized or structured setting in order to meet their individual complex or unique learning needs.