Information for parents of preschool children from age three to five who live in Trenton is available through:

            P   Preschool                      

            R   Readiness              

            E   Educational

            P   Preparatory Program

                        Call (609) 656-4670, Ext. 3676 for free information and assistance.

WHO?

Any preschool child between the ages of three and five who reside in the city of Trenton and displays difficulties in one or more of the following areas: listening, speaking, understanding, behavior, motor skills, concentration playing, learning, vision, learning, self-help and socialization skills.

WHAT? 

The Trenton Public Schools through its Education Program (PREP) provides identification and evaluation services to see if your child is in need of special education and related services.

These services are provided by a child study team comprised of a psychologist, learning consultant, social worker, and speech and language specialist that specializes in evaluating preschool children.

The child study team and a regular education teacher will meet with you at an identification conference to determine if an evaluation is necessary and, if needed, what evaluations are to be included.  None of  these activities will occur without your written consent and the services are provided without any cost to the parent.

You will be asked to complete information about your child's medical and developmental history and to bring your child in for an observation by the team.

WHEN?

As soon as you call PREP for an appointment these services can begin.  If an evaluation is necessary, it will be completed within 90 days of your written consent.

WHERE?

The identification and evaluation services are usually provided at the Trenton Board of Education Child Study Building, 929 Parkside Avenue, Trenton, New Jersey.  The phone number is (609) 656-6072 and the PREP staff can answer any additional questions you might have after viewing this webpage.

WHY?

If  an evaluation is necessary and if your child is found to be eligible for special education and related services, an individualized education program (IEP) that meet your child's unique needs will be developed.  With your written consent, this program will be provided in the least restrictive environment, as close to home as possible.

Your child will receive the developmental and readiness skills necessary for greater success in school.  When the child is kindergarten eligible the IEP team and you will be involved in planning the program.  All programs are provided at public expense with no cost to the parent.

OTHER INFORMATION

If you are a Trenton resident and require additional information about the special education referral process for an early intervention program (below the age of three) you may call Special Child Health Services at (609) 730-4166 and ask for assistance.