Pittsburgh Public Schools | Early Childhood

Early Intervention Program

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Nancy Hill Ed.D., Senior Program Officer

Debra Sestili, Early Intervention Supervisor

Cathy Stanley, Early Intervention Supervisor

Parents of children who are at least two years nine months but not yet five years of age may request a developmental screening and/or evaluation by contacting the Early Intervention Office at 412-323-3960. Evaluations for children from birth to age two years nine months may be arranged through the Alliance for Infants and Toddlers at 412-885-6000.

Developmental screenings in the areas of cognitive, physical, communication, social and emotional, self-help, hearing and vision will be conducted by appointment at selected neighborhood and elementary school sites across the district.

Evaluations will be conducted by appointment for children who have had a developmental screening through the Pittsburgh Public Schools or a screening/evaluation through another agency and the results reflect possible eligibility for special education. These meetings will assist in determining eligibility for special education early intervention services for preschool children. A child is eligible for services if she or he has a 25% delay in one or more areas of development and a need for specially designed instruction.

If you have concerns about your preschool childs development, you may call the Early Intervention office at 412-323-3960 to schedule a screening or evaluation appointment. Appointments are available year round and in various neighborhoods through out the city. Call for the location closest to you.

Services and programs for eligible children are provided in approximately 300 settings such as neighborhood elementary schools, Pittsburgh Public Schools Early Childhood programs, COTRAIC Head Start, early care and education centers located within the city limits.

Services range from supportive consultation to a daily program, based upon the special education needs of the preschooler.

The Early Intervention Program provides a half-day developmentally appropriate community preschool session for young children who are typically developing for a nominal tuition payment at Chartiers Early Childhood Center, Ressurrection Preschool, Spring Garden Early Childhood Center, and Reizenstein Early Childhood Center. Both children with special needs and typical preschoolers play and learn together in this fun environment. For additional information please contact the Child Find Coordinator at 412-323-3979.