Early Intervention - 3 Years Old to 5 Years Old

The Early Intervention program provides early childhood, centerbased classroom support for children ages three to five who are referred by the Bucks County Intermediate Unit.  The supportive services, as driven by the IEP (Individual Education Plan), are developed with a team of professionals based upon the individual needs of the child.  Referred children attend program at one of BARC's two Friendship Circle Early Learning Centers in Bucks County. Referred children may be supported itinerantly in their homes or in their community early education centers (preschools or child care centers), or in our Friendship Circle Preschool in Croydon, PA, where the referred child is supported in determined in the IEP.

The IEP is developed by a multidisciplinary team of professionals, which may include teachers, speech therapists, psychologists, occupational therapists, or physical therapists, behavioral consultants and/or vision and hearing specialists.  The IEP is an educational plan that considers family priorities and concerns while addressing areas of development that require specially designed instruction.   Specific measurable outcomes that may address motor, communication, social interaction, cognition, behavior and/or physical development are individualized for the referred child. Our Friendship Circle Community Preschool offers smaller classrooms staffed by professionals experienced in all learning styles. Inclusive classrooms allow children with and without disabilities to play together and develop mutual respect.  Self-contained classrooms offer more specialized and intensive support.

Our Friendship Circle Community Preschool early childhood classrooms contain state-of-the-art toys, computers and adaptive equipment designed to stimulate and challenge young learners.  Our professional staff meets Pennsylvania requirements to teach Early Childhood or Special Education and embrace the Creative Curriculum and Pennsylvania's Early Childhood Learning Standards.  Multi-sensory and individualized techniques are based upon current research in child development and early childhood education.  A team approach emphasizing ongoing progress monitoring, assessment, and parent involvement is an essential part of each child's program. Our Early Intervention professionals support families in accessing available community resources and support. All children agens two through five are welcomed at Friendship Circle Community Preschool where they will find a warm, caring and professional environment supportive of all learning styles and needs. Children may be referred by the Bucks County Intermediate Unit (age three through five) or families may choose our tuition program. It is not necessary to be potty trained for a child to attend.

For more information about BARC's Friendship Circle Early Childhood programs for three to five year old children, please contact the Early Intervention Department at (215) 794-0800, extension 344.  To find out if your three to five year old child qualifies for early intervention services please contact the Bucks County intermediate unit at 215-348-2940. 

Back to Early Intervention Home Page