Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Pre-K
Our Vision
"To provide a high-quality early childhood educational experience that fosters each child's social, emotional, cognitive, communication, adaptive, and physical development while building a strong foundation for lifelong learning and future success."
Welcome to Hendry County School District's ESE Pre-K Program
The early years of a child's life are critical for growth and development. Hendry County School District is committed to identifying and supporting young children who may have developmental delays or disabilities through comprehensive evaluations and individualized educational services.
Our Early Childhood Special Education (ESE Pre-K) program provides specialized instruction and related services for preschool-aged children who meet Florida eligibility criteria for Exceptional Student Education. Services are designed to support each child's unique developmental needs while promoting school readiness, independence, communication, and meaningful participation in learning.
Child Find and Referral Process
If you have concerns about your child's development, you do not have to wait until your child begins kindergarten. Early identification and intervention can make a significant difference in your child's development.
Children may be referred by:
- Parents or guardians
- Pediatricians or healthcare providers
- Childcare or preschool providers
- Early intervention providers
- Community agencies
- Other professionals working with the child
Hendry County School District works collaboratively with community agencies to identify children who may benefit from additional evaluation and support.
Birth to Age 3
Children from birth through age three who have developmental concerns should first be referred to Early Steps, Florida's early intervention program. Early Steps provides developmental evaluations and early intervention services for eligible infants and toddlers.
Ages 3 Through 5
Children ages 3 through 5 may be referred to the Florida Diagnostic & Learning Resources System (FDLRS) for a free developmental screening. Screenings may include developmental, speech and language, hearing, and vision areas to determine whether additional evaluation is recommended.
If the screening indicates concerns, parents may choose to have their child referred to Hendry County School District for a comprehensive evaluation to determine eligibility for Exceptional Student Education services.
Comprehensive Evaluation
With parent consent, Hendry County School District conducts a multidisciplinary evaluation to determine whether a child meets Florida eligibility criteria for Exceptional Student Education.
Evaluations may include assessments in areas such as:
- Cognitive development
- Communication and language
- Motor development
- Adaptive behavior
- Social-emotional development
- Academic readiness
- Vision and hearing (when appropriate)
Following the evaluation, a team that includes the child's family reviews all assessment information to determine eligibility and discuss appropriate educational supports and services.
Individualized Education Program (IEP)
If a child is found eligible for Exceptional Student Education services, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is developed by the educational team in partnership with the family.
The IEP outlines:
- Your child's current strengths and needs
- Measurable annual goals
- Specialized instruction
- Related services, when appropriate
- Classroom accommodations and supports
- Progress monitoring procedures
Services are individualized based on each child's educational needs and are designed to help children develop the skills necessary for success in school and everyday life.
Related Services
Depending on a child's individual needs, related services may include:
- Speech-Language Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Physical Therapy
- Specialized Instruction
- Behavioral Supports
- Other educational supports determined by the IEP team
Have Developmental Concerns?
If you have concerns about your child's development, we encourage you to begin the referral process as early as possible. Early intervention and early educational supports can have a meaningful impact on your child's future success.
Community Referral Resources
Early Steps (Birth–Age 3)
Phone: (239) 433-6700 or (866) 547-2793
Florida Diagnostic & Learning Resources System (FDLRS) (Ages 3–5)
Phone: (863) 531-0444, Ext. 10712 or (800) 316-7057
Contact Our Early Childhood (ESE Pre-K) Team
If you have questions about your child's development, the referral process, eligibility for Exceptional Student Education (ESE) services, or our Early Childhood (Pre-K) Program, our team is here to help. We are committed to partnering with families and providing guidance throughout every step of the evaluation and educational planning process.
Early Childhood (ESE Pre-K) Contacts
Elizabeth Andrade
Labelle District Liaison
Phone: (863) 674-4164
Email: andradee@hendry-schools.net
Marta Cervantes
Clewiston District Liaison
Phone: (863) 983-1507
Email: cervantesm@hendry-schools.net
Noemi Vasquez Santos
Itinerant Teacher – Pre-K
Phone: (863) 674-4164
Email: vazquezsantosn@hendry-schools.net
Estefany Zamarron
Pre-K Specialist
Phone: (863) 674-4164
Email: zamarrone@hendry-schools.net
Our Early Childhood team is available to answer questions regarding developmental concerns, Child Find, referrals, evaluations, eligibility, and Exceptional Student Education (ESE) services for preschool-aged children. We encourage families to contact us early if they have concerns about their child's development, as early identification and intervention can have a lasting positive impact on a child's future success.