About the Program
Overview and Team Members
The Early Childhood Assessment Team (ECAT) at Beech Grove City Schools (BGCS) provides comprehensive, educational evaluations for children ages three (3) years to five (5) years of age within the boundary of Beech Grove City Schools.
Depending on the reason for referral, children are evaluated in the areas of speech, language, social, fine and gross motor, cognitive and pre-readiness skills. Members of the team include:
Other professionals may also serve on the team as needed.
Children are typically assessed in a one-on-one setting or within the preschool classroom setting for typically two sessions that will be arranged with the parent. During the evaluation sessions, the ECAT professionals observe and conduct formal assessments in the areas of concern.
Amy Reeves | Director of Exceptional Learners |
Sara Wetzel | School Psychologist |
Margaret Stanley | Developmental Preschool Teacher |
Jenni Shellhorn | ECAT Speech-Language Pathologist |
Amber Stults | Developmental Preschool Speech-Language Pathologist |
Shelby Gruner | Occupational Therapist |
Shannon Brezko | Physical Therapist |
Brandee Beikman, RN, BSN | Nursing Coordinator for Beech Grove City Schools |
Please contact Mrs. Amy Reeves at 317-788-4481 to begin the evaluation process for your child.
At Beech Grove City Schools, a full continuum of placement options is available for eligible students including developmental preschool and community preschool programs for students who require assistance in learning routines and other developmentally appropriate skills. Students enrolled at BGCS for their special education services attend based on the student’s level of need, the goal(s) being worked on, and his/her case conference committee.
Related services such as occupational therapy and physical therapy are provided in the developmental preschool classroom, if a child is eligible. Transportation is also a related service that can be provided by Beech Grove City Schools, if a child is eligible and a Beech Grove resident.
Please contact Mrs. Amy Reeves at 317-788-4481 to begin the evaluation process for your child.
The Education for Homeless Children and Youth (EHCY) program is authorized under Title VII-B of the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11431 et seq.) (McKinney-Vento Act). The McKinney-Vento Act was originally authorized in 1987 and most recently re-authorized in December 2015 by the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA). 1 The McKinney-Vento Act is designed to address the challenges that homeless children and youths have faced in enrolling, attending, and succeeding in school.
Under the McKinney-Vento Act, State educational agencies (SEAs) must ensure that each homeless child and youth has equal access to the same free, appropriate public education, including a public preschool education, as other children and youths. Homeless children and youths must have access to the educational and related services that they need to enable them to meet the same challenging State academic standards to which all students are held. In addition, homeless students may not be separated from the mainstream school environment. 3 SEAs and local educational agencies (LEAs) are required to review and undertake steps to revise laws, regulations, practices, or policies that may act as barriers to the identification, enrollment, attendance or success in school of homeless children and youths.
Definition of Homeless (McKinney-Vento Act Sec. 725(2); 42 U.S.C 11435(2)): Children who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate night time residence:
Residency and Educational Rights:
Students who are in temporary, inadequate and homeless living situations have the following rights in Beech Grove City Schools:
Contact:
Please contact BGCS McKinney-Vento District Liaison for more information or to report a homeless student situation.
Mary Sibley-Story
Director of Secondary Education
mstory@bgcs.k12.in.us
317-786-1447