Education at Every Age
Explore opportunities for continued learning after high school, including inclusive college programs, vocational training, life skills education, and community classes. Whether your young adult is aiming for a job, independence, or personal growth, this page helps you find the right next step.
Preparing for Kindergarten
Developmental Readiness
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Early Development & Learning
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Tips on recognizing cognitive, emotional, and social readiness for kindergarten
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Cognitive readiness refers to a child's ability to understand and process information, solve problems, and follow simple instructions.
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Follows Instructions: Can your child follow simple 1-2 step instructions, like “put your toys in the box” or “come sit on the carpet”?
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Problem-Solving: Your child can figure out how to complete a simple puzzle or find their way around an obstacle.
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Attention Span: The ability to focus on a single activity for 5-10 minutes, such as listening to a short story or building with blocks.
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In Northwest Arkansas, several kindergarten programs offer special education services to support children with developmental delays or disabilities.
🏫 Public School Districts Offering Kindergarten Special Education
These services are tailored to meet individual needs and may include speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and specialized instruction. Parents can contact their local school district's special education department to initiate an evaluation process.
The Northwest Arkansas Education Service Cooperative (NWAESC) offers Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) services for children aged 3–5 in multiple school districts.
IEP Planning
Support for navigating the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process—from setting goals to working with educators—so you can confidently advocate for your child’s unique learning needs.
Overview
An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a legal plan designed to support the unique learning needs of a student with a disability. It outlines personalized goals, services, accommodations, and supports the child will receive in the school setting.
Who Qualifies
Step-by-Step IEP Planning
🧩 Understood.org – IEP Process
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Step-by-step explanation of the IEP process, from evaluation to developing and implementing the plan, in a parent-friendly format.
Detailed steps, tips, and sample letters for parents who want to advocate for their child.
My child is graduating, what next?
This phase marks a significant milestone and can bring questions and uncertainty. Here, we provide resources, strategies, and expert advice on preparing for the future. Topics covered include post-secondary education options, employment opportunities, financial planning, and social activities. Parents can confidently plan for the next chapter, ensuring their child has the support and opportunities they need to thrive as an adult.
College & Vocational Programs
Northwest Arkansas offers a variety of college and vocational programs tailored to individuals with disabilities, providing opportunities for education, skill development, and employment.
Job training, placement assistance, and support for individuals with disabilities to achieve employment goals.
Providing tools and resources for effective planning.
The program is designed for individuals with disabilities who are seeking to enter or re-enter the workforce. Interested individuals can contact Friendship Community Care directly through their website or by visiting the Job Path Fayetteville location.
Job placement and transportation services for individuals with disabilities, aiming to empower them to achieve personal and vocational goals.
Aiming to maximize personal growth and development, and provide opportunities for self-sufficiency.
Project SEARCH is a groundbreaking program that challenges traditional expectations and empowers young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to achieve competitive employment.
A four-year, non-degree college experience designed for students with cognitive disabilities. Focusing on academics, independent living, employment, social skills, and health and wellness, aiming to produce self-sufficient young adults.
Life Styles provides transitional apartment living programs that offer structured environments for individuals to develop essential daily living skills. These programs focus on areas such as meal preparation, budgeting, and decision-making, aiming to empower participants to live independently.
If you need more detailed information or assistance in connecting with these programs, feel free to ask!