Preschool Special Education Services Program: What are Preschool
Services and where are they located? Maryland Preschool Services
include special instruction and related services provided to
young children, ages three through five, who qualify under the
Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA, Part B, Section 619).
Through its twenty-four local school systems (23 counties and
Baltimore City), Maryland's Preschool Services program ensures
the provision of a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)
to all eligible children at no cost to their families, and in
the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). LRE means that young
children with disabilities should receive services in typical
community-based early childhood settings and programs whenever
possible, and only go to more restrictive or specialized
settings when their individual needs require it. Who is
eligible? Young children ages 3 through 5 who have a disability
as defined by one of the categories listed below are eligible
for preschool services provide