A parent of a two-year-old child with disabilities wants the child enrolled in the public schools preschool program. What should the early childhood director do?

The best course of action for the early childhood director is to assist the parent in contacting the agency handling early intervention services. This is essential because early intervention plays a critical role in supporting young children with disabilities and provides necessary services and resources that can enhance developmental outcomes.

By connecting the parent with the appropriate agency, the director ensures that the child can receive assessments and any additional support needed, which are often available to children under the age of three. This step is also in line with federal laws, such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), which mandates early access to services for children with disabilities.

This approach fosters collaboration between the parents, the early childhood program, and the intervention agencies to create a supportive environment for the child at an early age, rather than delaying the process or simply directing the parent to alternatives that may not meet the child's specific needs.