My son was found eligible for services in 2007 (at the age of 3) under the Developmentally Delayed classification.  Since that time, he has made great strides and continues to improve almost daily.  My son will be turning 6 years old next month, so the school district has completely re-evaluated him because he can no longer be "developmentally delayed".  At the eligibility meeting today, I was informed that my son is no longer eligible for any services because he does not meet the criteria for any of the other classifications.

 

Although he still struggles with daily living tasks, inappropriate communication for his age and atypical behaviors, he will now be left without any services!  He has made remarkable progress over the last 2 years and could be the poster child for early intervention, but all the support he has been provided and all the services that helped him progress this far have now been taken away.  As he finishes Kindergarten and prepares to start 1st grade in the Fall, he will need added support more than ever, as the academic demands will be greater. 

 

The developmentally delayed label needs to be available until age 9, so that children, like my son, can continue to "catch up" with their peers and Virginia can truly have "No Child Left Behind".