EEU Programs
All EEU programs promote the development of children's cognitive, motor, communication, and social interaction skills by means of educational and therapeutic interventions most appropriate for each child. These programs always include typically developing children and children with various developmental delays or disabilities. All classrooms are managed by interdisciplinary teams including the head teacher, assistant teacher, speech and language pathologist, occupational or physical therapist, social worker, nurse, and other appropriate staff. Specific programs are the following:
Infant and Toddler
The Infant Toddler Program (ITP) serves children ages birth through 3 years. The ITP provides playgroups for young children approximately 12 months through 3 years of age. These groups are inclusive, meaning that children with and without disabilities participate. Children under 12 months of age are often in a weekly playgroup for parents and their infants. The ITP also provides community and home based services as determined by the individual needs of the child and family. The ITP serves children and families in the King County area through contracts with the Department of Developmental Disabilities (DDD).
Preschool
The EEU provides a half-day blended preschool program that serves children 3 to 5 years old. The blended preschool program includes children with and without disabilities. Services are provided in the context of a high quality early childhood environment and using a transdisciplinary approach characterized by collaboration in which professionals share their discipline specific information and skills with other members of the team including the family. Services are provided through a contact with the Seattle School District.
The Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP)
ECEAP is a model demonstration to train Head Start/ECEAP teacher to work with kids that have moderate to severe disabilities so that they have equal access to services and support that Head Start/ECEAP programs. A particular training focus is serving children (primarily 4 year olds) with moderate and severe disabilities in a Head Start/ECEAP context. Services are provided to children and families through a transdisciplinary approach characterized by collaboration in which professionals share their discipline specific information and skills with other members of the team including the family. Services are provided through a contact with the City of Seattle.
Project DATA: Developmentally Appropriate Treatment for Autism
Project DATA provides extended day services to support children on the autism spectrum currently enrolled in the preschool or ECEAP program. Services emphasize blended strategies (ABA, Early childhood special education, early childhood) and teaching discrete skills and skill sets to promote independence in the classroom environment. Services are provided through a contract with the Seattle School District.
Kindergarten
The EEU provides a full day blended kindergarten program that includes students with and without disabilities. The program emphasizes the development of academic, social, communication, and motor skills that enable children to successfully transition to the least restrictive environment the following year. Services are provided through a transdisciplinary approach characterized by collaboration in which professionals share their discipline specific information and skills with other members of the team including the family. Services are provided through a contact with the Seattle School District.
