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Early Learning Services - Family Information

Elwyn Early Learning Services provides preschool early intervention services to eligible children, ages 3 through the age of beginners, or through the transition to school-age programming, in Philadelphia County and the city of Chester.

Welcome to the Elwyn Early Learning Services (ELS) Family Information site. Elwyn ELS provides intake services, multi-disciplinary evaluations to determine eligibility, case management, also referred to as LEA Representation, and preschool early intervention services. Families can utilize the wide array of information offered on this portion of our website to learn more about Elwyn Early Learning Services, preschool early intervention processes and procedures, developmental norms and access necessary contact information.

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Family Information

Elwyn Early Learning Services provides preschool early intervention services to eligible children, ages 3 through the age of beginners, or through the transition to school-age programming, in Philadelphia County and the city of Chester.

Welcome to the Elwyn Early Learning Services (ELS) Family Information site. Elwyn ELS provides intake services, multi-disciplinary evaluations to determine eligibility, case management, also referred to as LEA Representation, and preschool early intervention services. Families can utilize the wide array of information offered on this portion of our website to learn more about Elwyn Early Learning Services, preschool early intervention processes and procedures, developmental norms and access necessary contact information.

Early Childhood Education & Early Childhood Special Education Programs

The research is clear – giving children a strong start and fostering positive early childhood experiences is key to a healthy & successful future! The city of Philadelphia offers many public Early Childhood Education (ECE) program options, including Head Start, Pre-K Counts and PHL Pre-K classrooms. There are also a wide array of private ECE programs available to families across the city. If you need assistance locating an ECE program, you can utilize the Great Philly Schools website to explore various programs in your area: https://greatphillyschools.org/s/.

For some children with disabilities, Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) programs might be a better fit. ECSE programs are also available across the city and enrollment is an IEP team decision based on a child’s needs. If you are interested in an ECSE program for your child, please reach out to your child’s LEA representative to discuss further.

Early Childhood Special Education Programs

Elwyn Early Learning Services runs Early Childhood Special Education programs at the following locations. Please reach out to your child's Local Education Agency (LEA) Representative for more information.

Elwyn ELS West, 5548 Chestnut St, Philadelphia, Pa
215-422-4902

ELS Falls Center, 3300 Henry Ave, Philadelphia, Pa
215-254-2069

Transition to Kindergarten

Overview of Process/What to Expect
Complete the Intent to Register (ITR) Form
Register for Kindergarten

Overview of Process/What to Expect

In the year prior to your child’s transition, your IEP team will discuss and prepare for the upcoming transition by developing goals and objectives to support your child and your family with this process and will develop a transition plan in your child’s IEP.

Complete the Intent to Register (ITR) Form

By completing the Intent to Register (ITR) form, you are documenting your intention to register your child in the School District of Philadelphia or a local Charter School. The ITR form outlines the options families have when it comes to Transition to Kindergarten. Once this form is completed, the School District of Philadelphia or Charter School begins the process to determine whether your child will continue to be eligible for special education services and if so, will collaborate with you on the development of an Individualized Education Program (IEP).

Upon receipt of the ITR Form indicating your choice to register for Kindergarten, Elwyn Early Learning Services (ELS) will share educational documents with the School District of Philadelphia or Charter School.

By December 21st of your child’s transition year, you will receive formal notification regarding your child’s pending transition to school-age programming and the availability of upcoming transition meetings.

Register for Kindergarten

Follow the School District of Philadelphia Kindergarten Registration link below to access full registration details.

School District of Philadelphia, Kindergarten Registration Site: https://www.philasd.org/studentplacement/services/kindergarten-registration/

School District of Philadelphia, Transition to School-Age Support Site: 2022 Early Intervention Transition (google.com)

PDE Early Intervention Transition Overview: https://www.education.pa.gov/Policy-Funding/BECS/Purdons/Pages/EITransitionPreschool.aspx

Overview of Process/What to Expect

In the year prior to your child’s transition, your IEP team will discuss and prepare for the upcoming transition by developing goals and objectives to support your child and your family with this process and will develop a transition plan in your child’s IEP.

Complete the Intent to Register (ITR) Form

By completing the Intent to Register (ITR) form, you are documenting your intention to register your child in the School District of Philadelphia or a local Charter School. The ITR form outlines the options families have when it comes to Transition to Kindergarten. Once this form is completed, the School District of Philadelphia or Charter School begins the process to determine whether your child will continue to be eligible for special education services and if so, will collaborate with you on the development of an Individualized Education Program (IEP).

Upon receipt of the ITR Form indicating your choice to register for Kindergarten, Elwyn Early Learning Services (ELS) will share educational documents with the School District of Philadelphia or Charter School.

By December 21st of your child’s transition year, you will receive formal notification regarding your child’s pending transition to school-age programming and the availability of upcoming transition meetings.

Register for Kindergarten

Follow the School District of Philadelphia Kindergarten Registration link below to access full registration details.

School District of Philadelphia, Kindergarten Registration Site: https://www.philasd.org/studentplacement/services/kindergarten-registration/

School District of Philadelphia, Transition to School-Age Support Site: 2022 Early Intervention Transition (google.com)

PDE Early Intervention Transition Overview: https://www.education.pa.gov/Policy-Funding/BECS/Purdons/Pages/EITransitionPreschool.aspx

Family Resource Center

Introduction
Resources and support programs

Introduction

The Family Resource Center is a supplemental support program created for Elwyn Early Learning Services (ELS) families and caregivers, designed to offer guidance and support with a wide array of local resources. Through the FRC, you can find city-wide resources and other information to successfully navigate community activities, special needs  programs or services, parent training, and early childhood programming.

Being a caregiver, whether a parent, grandparent or guardian, is challenging and supporting a child with special needs adds another layer of complexity. Elwyn ELS Social Work Interns are available to support Preschool Early Intervention families in locating and making connections to necessary community-based resources.

Please be certain to learn details about our Family Resource Guidebook for families being served by Elwyn Early Learning Services (ELS), Preschool Education Services ages 3-5 years old.

Click to visit our Family Resource Guide

Resources and support programs

  • Benefits (medical assistance, SSI, etc.)
  • Community activities & recreation Domestic Violence
  • Early Education Centers (prek, head start, child care)
  • Employment/Job training
  • Food Insecurity
  • Housing/Homeless
  • Marginalized groups support (LGBTQIA, refugee, etc.)
  • Parent to Parent Program/Parenting
  • Utilities/Shut-off notice

If interested, please talk to your child’s evaluation team or LEA Representative, so they can assist with a referral to the Family Resource Center.

Introduction

The Family Resource Center is a supplemental support program created for Elwyn Early Learning Services (ELS) families and caregivers, designed to offer guidance and support with a wide array of local resources. Through the FRC, you can find city-wide resources and other information to successfully navigate community activities, special needs  programs or services, parent training, and early childhood programming.

Being a caregiver, whether a parent, grandparent or guardian, is challenging and supporting a child with special needs adds another layer of complexity. Elwyn ELS Social Work Interns are available to support Preschool Early Intervention families in locating and making connections to necessary community-based resources.

Please be certain to learn details about our Family Resource Guidebook for families being served by Elwyn Early Learning Services (ELS), Preschool Education Services ages 3-5 years old.

Click to visit our Family Resource Guide

Resources and support programs

  • Benefits (medical assistance, SSI, etc.)
  • Community activities & recreation Domestic Violence
  • Early Education Centers (prek, head start, child care)
  • Employment/Job training
  • Food Insecurity
  • Housing/Homeless
  • Marginalized groups support (LGBTQIA, refugee, etc.)
  • Parent to Parent Program/Parenting
  • Utilities/Shut-off notice

If interested, please talk to your child’s evaluation team or LEA Representative, so they can assist with a referral to the Family Resource Center.

Family Resource Guide

FOR PHILADELPHIA FAMILIES BEING SERVED BY ELWYN EARLY LEARNING SERVICES (ELS), 
PRESCHOOL SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES AGES 3-5

This listing was compiled by a network of Philadelphia professionals and families. The purpose of this guide is to share information about resources and in no manner whatsoever supports, profits or takes responsibility for the agencies, services, and individuals noted herein.

View Guide

Partner Resources

Temple University’s Families First program

A free parent empowerment training and support program dedicated to families receiving early intervention in Philadelphia. 

Visit Site

The PEAL Center, Parent Education & Advocacy Leadership

Pennsylvania families who have children with disabilities and/or special health care needs from birth to age 26.

Visit Site

Vision for Equality

Assists and empowers people with disabilities and their families to seek quality and satisfaction in their lives as well as equal access to supports and services.

Visit Site

Parent to Parent of Pennsylvania

Our program is based on the philosophy that parents of children and adults with disabilities or special needs can be helped by other parents who have traveled the road before them. 

Visit Site
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    Michelle Kukta

    Director of Payroll Services, PA
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