Learning needs are usually characterized by central processing disorders that result in impairment and are manifested by sensory-motor, cognitive, social and language delays. The program accommodates students of all levels, and classes are heterogeneously grouped according to age compatibility. Established criteria suggest that children who test 25 percent below their chronological age or whose scores on standardized assessments are 1.5 standard deviations below the mean qualify for assistance. The Delaware County Intermediate Unit Head Start Program is a comprehensive child development program serving children from 3 to 5 years of age and their families. The goal of DCIU Head Start is to academically and socially prepare students for school.
Parents are active participants with staff in developing the program.
The Delaware County Intermediate Unit provides evaluation and remediation services for persons with hearing loss from age of identification to 21 years old. Programs stress the involvement of parents as members of the team to determine appropriate communication and educational needs of the children. This program serves children between 5 and 7 years of age who have been diagnosed with a variety of language problems. These students have at least average non-verbal scores on standardized measures of intellectual testing, and present with a moderate to severe disorder of receptive language, expressive language or articulation. The language issues are not due to emotional disturbance, hearing loss, a specific learning disability or pervasive developmental disorder.