Early ACCESS is the system implemented by the State of Iowa to serve eligible children from birth to age three and their families. Children are eligible for Early ACCESS services if they have a developmental delay or have a condition that has a high probability of later delays if early intervention services are not provided. Agencies participating in Early ACCESS are the Department of Human Services, Child Health Specialty Clinics, Public Health, and the Department of Education which is the lead agency in the State of Iowa.

All services are family-centered, aimed at enhancing the child’s growth and development and the family’s capacity to support their child. Services are coordinated across agency lines to assist families in obtaining the resources, services, and assistance needed. South Tama Community School’s Early ACCESS staff includes:

• occupational and physical therapists

• home intervention teachers

• nurses

• psychologists

• speech-language pathologists

Intervention services are offered at no cost to families and are provided in the home, hospital, or childcare settings.

Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) services are available for eligible children ages three to kindergarten age at no cost to families. ECSE staff assists in the identification, assessment, and development of an individualized educational plan for eligible children. A variety of service options are available and are tailored to meet the individual needs of each student. Options include ECSE South Tama Community School, and self-contained. ECSE classrooms are located at our South Tama Elementary Building and off-site locations.