MANDATE: PROGRAM OPENS WITH FUNDING DOUBTS

School districts across Missouri will provide programs for handicapped preschool children starting in the fall. But some school administrators question the lack of money provided to start the program and including preschoolers in public schools.

Federal and state laws mandate services for preschoolers with disabilities to start in the 1991-92 school year. How much state money will be available to help pay for starting the programs is questionable.

The Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is applying for a federal grant to help school districts develop the special-education services.

If the $3 million grant is approved, school districts will be able to request funds from the education department to offer the services.

State education officials estimate 7,500 preschool-age children will be eligible for the services. About 1,500 Missouri children from 100 school districts are now being served in voluntary programs like one in Cape Girardeau.

Cape Girardeau public schools got a jump on the situation by developing a preschool handicapped program three years ago. Calvin Chapman, coordinator of special services, explained that federal, discretionary grants have funded the program in the past.

"By starting early, we had the advantage of getting federal funds," he said.

While the grants may no longer be available, he said the district has purchased a lot of material and equipment for the program.

About 20 youngsters are enrolled in the program this year. The class meets at Jefferson School.

"We have been asked to contract with other districts" to provide the service, said Chapman. "But we chose not to do that; the numbers are too great for one teacher."

He said many schools have visited Cape Girardeau's program.

"I have always felt that early intervention with youngsters with disabilities is the key. Some of the youngsters placed in the program at age 3, two years later were able to enter regular kindergarten. Early intervention sometimes prevents long-term placements.

"I'm a firm believer in early intervention," Chapman said. He said he is pleased the program will be mandated.

"Hopefully, statewide we will see a reduction in the long-term placement of youngsters in special-education programs."

The reality is that many small districts will develop cooperative agreements and will serve children in their homes, he said.

"I don't think serving in-home is as effective as in an educational center," Chapman said.

Among schools that will be providing cooperative services to students at home is Scott City public schools, said superintendent Robert Brison.

"We're going together with neighboring school district," Brison said. "Because of the population to be served, only if we join with other districts will there be sufficient numbers for a teacher."

Among schools in the cooperative agreement, he said, are Thomas Kelly School, Kelso C-7, Chaffee, Oran and Scott County Central.

He said a teacher will visit students in their homes.

"It is a federal mandate," Brison said. "We are now planning to operate a program next year to meet that mandate. We don't know where the money will be coming from."

Brison said about 60 percent of the cost will be paid through federal money. Local school districts are supposed to fund 10 percent and the state is supposed to pay the remainder.

"But we know about the state's financial problems," Brison said.

"We have had this happen to us previously," Brison said, "but always with the school-age population. We've never had this problem for a non-school targeted population. This expands the scope of the school."

Brison said: "I don't have any problem recognizing that early intervention is very effective in correcting some handicapped problems. But I'm not so sure that it's the duty of the local school district to follow through on that. It seems there may be other agencies more equipped.

"There will be other agencies involved like Family Services and Easter Seals. The school will wind up as a catalyst to bring all these agencies together for the families of these handicapped children."

Jackson Superintendent Wayne Maupin said the district has just completed a screening and evaluation phase of the process.

"We need to determine how many children will need to be served," Maupin said. "We are also looking at alternatives of a delivery system on that program."

"It's a worthwhile program," Maupin said. "I feel the earlier we can intervene with these youngsters, the better. It's unfortunate that economic factors and finances become a factor in a child's education."