Preschool Intervention Program (PIP)
What is the Preschool Intervention Program (PIP)?
The Preschool Intervention Program (PIP) is a program established to serve children 3-5 years of age who exhibit a Significant Developmental Delay (SDD) in at least one of five developmental areas or who meet eligibility in any of the “categorical” eligibility areas, such as Speech Impaired, Visually Impaired, Hearing Impaired, and/or Orthopedically Impaired. PIP services are provided through all school systems in Georgia and are free of charge to parents. In Tattnall County, we believe that early intervention is essential to providing support to children at an early age in order to lessen the impact of entering kindergarten with developmental delays.
The five areas of Significant Developmental Delay (SDD) are:
Cognitive, Adaptive, Motor, Communication, Personal-Social
Services
Services that may be provided include, but are not limited to: comprehensive evaluation services, direct instruction from preschool special education teacher, speech and/or language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, transportation, direct instruction from a teacher for the visually impaired, direct instruction from a teacher for the hearing impaired, audiological services, and referrals to other agencies.
Referrals
Children should be referred to PIP when they appear to show delays in any one of the five areas listed above. According to the revised Georgia rules/regulations the term Significant Developmental Delay does not apply to children who are experiencing a slight or temporary lag in one or more areas of development, or a delay which is primarily due to environmental, cultural, or economic disadvantage or lack of experience in age appropriate activities. Referrals come from many sources including, but not limited to: Babies Can’t Wait, Parents, Physicians, Daycare Providers, Pre-K Teachers, Head Start, Family, Friends, and Teachers of siblings.
For additional information about the PIP application or for assistance completing the referral, please contact Julie Edwards, Assistant Special Education Director at (912) 557-4726 or by email at jedwards@tattnall.k12.ga.us.