Hundreds of children each month receive early intervention services from Pathways through contracted arrangements with the Los Angeles Unified School District and Head Start. Children with special needs between the ages of 3-to-5 years who attend preschool at Head Start sites are referred to Pathways to conduct an assessment. This testing and a subsequent report by Pathways is used to determine, with the parent's consent and input, what services would best help their child achieve his or her fullest potential prior to entering kindergarten.

Children are seen in this program in their natural environment, the Head Start classroom, and service is not a "pull out" service. Instead, the child is assisted within the context of what all the children in the classroom are doing at any given time. These services do not interrupt the activities, they enhance them. The Specialists utilize a variety of techniques which allow the child to achieve those goals which the parents and professionals have determined should be achieved via an Individualized Education Plan. The frequency of service is a minimum of 2 hours per child per month, but often exceeds that number since there are usually several children in a classroom who require services. Services are free.

For more information on this program, please contact Pathways' Early Intervention Services at (213) 427-2700, Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. till 5:00 p.m.