Center Only for Disabled Preschoolers Approved (MO)

November 10, 2010

The U.S. Department of Education has approved a plan to move preschool students with disabilities into a new center in Springfield.

The department’s Office of Civil Rights ruled Nov. 1 that that the plan isn’t discriminatory and doesn’t violate the children’s rights. The ruling was announced Monday.

A group of parents filed a complaint after plans for the Early Childhood Special Edu cation Center were announced earlier this year. They contended that the center would segregate preschool students with special needs and limit their interaction with other children.

Springfield school officials countered that the center would meet a growing need for early childhood special education services.

The new center is expected to open in January.