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Developmental Delay


A disability category used for children birth through age of eligibility for public school who experiences developmental delays in physical development, cognitive development, communication development, social or emotional development or adaptive development.

Early Intervention Eligibility (birth through age two): If an infant or toddler is suspected of having a developmental delay, the following evaluation shall be conducted:
  1. Review of previous testing, medical data, and parent reports;
  2. At least one norm referenced, standardized test addressing the child's level of functioning in all areas;
  3. At least one additional procedure to confirm the child's level of functioning in each area of suspected delay;
  4. At least one 20-minute observation of the child; and
  5. Other evaluative information as necessary to determine eligibility.

For a infant or toddler suspected of experiencing a developmental delay, the child shall meet one of the following minimum criteria:
  1. Two standard deviations or more below the mean in one or more of the developmental areas, or 1.5 standard deviations below the mean in two or more of the developmental areas; and
  2. As a result of the disability the child needs EI services.

Early Childhood Special Education Eligibility (age three through age of eligibility for public school): If a preschooler is suspected of having a developmental delay, the following evaluation shall be conducted:
  1. Review of previous testing, medical data, and parent reports;
  2. At least one norm referenced, standardized test addressing the child's level of functioning in all areas;
  3. At least one additional procedure to confirm the child's level of functioning in each area of suspected delay;
  4. At least one 20-minute observation of the child; and
  5. Other evaluative information as necessary to determine eligibility.

For a preschooler suspected of experiencing a developmental delay, the child shall meet the following minimum criteria:
  1. 1.5 standard deviations or more below the mean in two or more of the developmental areas;
  2. The child's disability has an adverse impact on the child's developmental progress; and
  3. The child needs special education services as a result of the disability.

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