Child Development & Education Support Services (CDESS) is a Community program that addresses the special education needs of children with disabilities from birth to five, identified through Child Find activities which include screening, identification, and referral procedures. CDESS provides support to families through education and developmental services. They assist their children in reaching their full potential. |
The mission of CDESS is to enhance the development of infants and toddlers with disabilities and to minimize their potential for developmental delays by evaluating, and identifying the needs of all children that reside in the Gila River Indian Community who have special needs. This is done by collaborating with local, state and federal agencies and service providers including local education agencies to help improve the potential for individuals with disabilities to live independently in society.
CDESS is committed to providing the Gila River Indian Community with services, opportunities and resources to families with young children with cognitive and physical developmental delays.
Joann Nelson, Special Services Manager |
Eugenia Webb, Administrative Assistant |
Merla Shorthair, Secretary I |
Rebekah Regnell, Special Education Teacher |
Dominique Blackmon-McKinley, Early Intervention Specialist |
Gabriella Alvarez, Lead Early Intervention Specialist |
Delores Begay, Early Intervention Specialist |
Areal Alderete, Special Education Teacher |
Diana Pompa, Early Intervention Specialist |
Deborah Gonzales, Liaison Caseworker |
Sara Neff, Special EducationTeacher |
Demeshia Clauschee, Language Pathology Assistant |
Christopher Smith, Student Behavior Specialist |
Nannette Lee, Student Behavior Specialist |
Each child is special and develops different skills at his or her own pace. Skills such as walking and talking are also known as Developmental Milestones and they usually occur by certain ages. Watch carefully to see how your child is growing and learning.
If you suspect that your child or a child that you know may have developmental delays, we encourage you to follow the referral links below or contact our office directly at (520) 562-3882.Your initial contact will begin the screening process which includes the following:
Birth to Three years**Referral for Developmental Screening Birth to Three (See Attachment)
Referrals are accepted from parents, doctors, Tribal Social Services, collaborative programs and agencies. The Program will screen your child to see if their development is appropriate for his/her age. Screenings and evaluations are at no cost to the family. Following a child’s screening, a family may enroll their child to be monitored or a family plan will be developed and services will begin.
Children 3 to 5 years **Referral 3-5 Year Olds (See Attachment)
Services are available through your local Community school, Head Start, FACE or Early Education Center. The family or teacher of a child may request a referral for an evaluation. This may lead to an Individualized Education Plan for children who require specialized assistance or support services.
Child Development & Education Support Servces is a community-based program partnering with families who have children with disabilities assisting them in cultivating their child’s future potential.
- The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act Amendments of 1997
- Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
- Parental Rights/Procedural Safeguards
- No Child Left Behind
- Raising Special Kids
- Arizona Early Intervention Program (AzEIP)
- Teacher Certification Special Education
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