Early Childhood Special Education

What We Do:

The Early Development Network represents a collaborative initiative between the Nebraska Departments of Education and Health & Human Services, dedicated to serving infants and toddlers aged from birth through two years who have disabilities, along with their families. Upon determination of eligibility through a comprehensive child and family assessment, families engage in the establishment of goals, partnering with early intervention providers to integrate these objectives within the context of their daily routines and activities, within their natural environment.

Services Coordinators function as specialized resource experts, offering invaluable support to families in navigating available programs, accessing essential resources, and understanding their entitlements.

Nebraska Early Development Network Logo

 

For children aged three to five, eligibility for special education services through their respective school districts is also an option. Collaboratively, the special education provider, preschool teachers, and parents collaborate to define goal-oriented participation and determine services, both within community, private, and public preschool settings. The team additionally ensures a seamless transition for verified children into their respective elementary schools as they progress towards kindergarten. Schools may also avail of coordinators to aid in managing their Teaching Strategies GOLD requirements.

All evaluations are conducted at no cost, as mandated by childfind requirements and funded by the school district. Furthermore, should your child be deemed eligible, the services they receive come at no expense to you.

Resources & Links:

Making a Referral:

If you are wanting your child evaluated to see if they qualify for these programs, click the link and complete to make a referral. If you are not the parent, make sure you have their permission to do so.  You will receive a call within a week to proceed to the next step.  

Lisa Duranski
Lisa Duranski
Early Childhood Special Education
Teacher for Visually Impaired
Coordinator
lduranski@esu7.org
Ext. 1062
Wendy Wolfe
Wendy Wolfe
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
Coordinator
wwolfe@esu7.org
Ext. 1021
Elyse Belina
Elyse Belina
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
ebelina@esu7.org
Shelli Eickmeier
Shelli Eickmeier
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
seickmeier@esu7.org
Mariah Hunke
Mariah Hunke
Early Childhood Speech Language Pathologist
mbeller@esu7.org
Letishia Kleinschmit
Letishia Kleinschmit
Early childhood Speech Language Pathologist
lkleinschmit@esu7.org
Cassie Krings
Cassie Krings
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
Teacher for Deaf and Hard of Hearing
ckrings@esu7.org
Teri Opfer
Teri Opfer
Early Childhood Speech Language Pathologist
topfer@esu7.org
Cassandra Ruth
Cassandra Ruth
Early Childhood Speech Language Pathologist
cruth@esu7.org
Sarah Wacha
Sarah Wacha
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
PRT Grant Chairperson
swacha@esu7.org
Jill Wielgus
Jill Wielgus
Early Childhood Special Education Teacher
jwurdeman@esu7.org