Special Services Department

The Elko County School District Special Services Department provides information and assistance in areas of special education, English learners, and school health services. We promote collaboration among educators, students, parents, and community partners to ensure successful educational outcomes for students with disabilities and those learning English as a second language.

Early Childhood Special Education

We are committed to the continued growth and development of children ages three through five years. We address all aspects of communication, cognition, social-emotional, and motor skill development in order to promote continuous growth in all children. The various components of this special education program provide individualized services to children who meet eligibility requirements.

Eligibility Requirements

• The child must be three to five years old.
• The child must be an Elko County resident.
• The child’s parent/guardian must complete the assessment process.
• The child must meet eligibility requirements established by the state of Nevada.

Eligibility Categories

The child must be developmentally delayed in one or more of the following areas as determined by a comprehensive assessment:

• Cognitive abilities (socially or emotionally)
• Receptive or expressive language
• Self-help skills
• Gross/Fine motor function

Or the child must be identified with one or more of the following impairments that has been established by the Nevada Administrative Code:

• Autism
• Hearing impairment
• Visual impairment
• Orthopedic impairment
• Health impairment
• Speech/Language impairment

The assessment includes the following:

• Screening for hearing and vision
• Obtaining the child’s developmental history from the parents/guardians
• A determination (made with staff and parents) of eligibility based on state guidelines

The team may also determine that a need exists for assessment in the areas of occupational and physical therapy.