Early Development Network (Children Birth to age 3)

• • Children birth to age three with a special need who live within the Bellevue Public Schools attendance area are eligible for this service, which is free to families. Children must be evaluated by Bellevue Public Schools Early Childhood team. For students who qualify based on this evaluation, an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) is developed to meet the identified needs of the child and family. Service coordination is included as a service in the IFSP to help families access available community resources. 

  • Services are provided using a coaching model, in which one primary service provider (PSP) works with caregivers to determine the best way to support their child’s development in a home or community setting. The PSP works in collaboration with a team of providers to address all areas of need. 

  • If you have a concern with your child’s development, please fill out this birth-age 3 referral form. 

Home/Community-based services for Students on an IEP (age 3-5) 

• • Bellevue Public Schools provides home and community-based services for students who qualify for special education services and are between the ages of 3 and entering kindergarten. 

  • Home/community-based IEP services are provided using a coaching model, in which one primary service provider (PSP) works with caregivers to determine the best way to support their child’s development in a home or community setting. The PSP works in collaboration with a team of providers to address all areas of need. 

  • All students receiving home/community services must be enrolled with the district after qualifying for services. 

Preschool

• • The Bellevue Public School preschool program is open to qualified children who are 4 years of age on or before July 31 of the coming school year. Children can qualify for the BPS preschool program through Special Education or a screening process. Please see the “Referral/Screening Information” section for more information on this process. 

  • All students must enroll with the district once qualified and placed in preschool. 

  • Child’s age must be verified by birth certificate.

Preschool Frequently Asked Questions

• • I want my child to attend BPS preschool. What are the criteria to attend preschool? 

    • Children who are age 4 on or before July 31st of the coming school year. 

    • The child qualifies for special education and their IEP (Individualized Education Plan) or IFSP (Individualized Family Services Plan) team determines they need to be placed in a BPS preschool. 

    • The child completes the screening process and is determined to be “at risk” due to certain factors (e.g. low birth weight, socio-economic status, English as a second language, significantly premature birth, etc.) 

  • I think my child meets this criteria, what do I do next? 

    • Children already on an IFSP/IEP will work with their educational team through this process

    • All other children will need to complete a screening process (please see screening information section)

    • Following the screening process, if your child qualifies for our program, you will need to complete enrollment through the BPS enrollment center. A birth certificate, immunization records, and 2 proofs of address will need to be provided to complete this process. More information will be provided to families if students qualify for the program. 

  • How old does my child need to be in order to attend BPS Preschool?

    • All four year olds living in the BPS attendance area are invited to set up a screening to determine eligibility for our program. Currently, children must be 4 years old on or before July 31 to participate in the screening. 

    • If you have concerns about the development of your child, they may be referred to the early childhood team at any time REGARDLESS OF THEIR DATE OF BIRTH.

    • Your child's age MUST be verified by their birth certificate. Children who are 5 years old on or before July 31, are not eligible to attend BPS preschool. 

  • I live outside of the BPS attendance area but would like to apply under the Learning Community.

    • At this time, Omaha Metro Districts are not accepting applications for preschool-age children to attend school-sponsored programs outside of their attendance boundaries. Proof of residency in the BPS attendance area is required for consideration.

  • Who can I call if I have general questions about early childhood opportunities in the Bellevue Public Schools?

    • Bellevue Public Schools Early Childhood Program 

    • Address: 2193 Wayne St., Bellevue, NE, 68005

    • Phone: 402-293-4941

    • Fax: 402-293-4351