Preschool Environments Data
Educational Environment (EE) codes tell what type of early childhood education program a child attends and where their services are provided.
Early CHOICES Decision Tree App!
Early CHOICES has launched an app available for either Apple or Android devices. Search “Early CHOICES Decision Trees.” or Apple or Google. The app serves to keep the decision trees for Early Childhood Outcomes (ECO) and Preschool Environment Codes handy for you. Data accuracy is fundamental to continuous quality improvement. And if you know the CHOICES team, you know we are all about the data. Download on your device today!
A webpage to generate Preschool Environment Codes for districts in Illinois is available. A User’s Guide can be downloaded here. To use visit ec-sppsix.com .
The IEP team can use the Decision Tree For Coding Educational Environment 3-5 year olds to determine the correct Preschool Environment code for children ages 3–5.
The Preschool Environment codes are defined in Illinois by the ISBE and reported using the FACTS data system.
The first question each team must ask is if the child attends a regular early childhood program. This is unique to children ages 3-5. The definition of a regular early childhood program is a program that includes at least 50% nondisabled children. Regular early childhood programs include, but are not limited to:
- Head Start
- Private preschools
- Early Childhood Block Grant/Preschool for All programs
- Blended classrooms
- Group child development centers or child care
Attendance at a regular early childhood program need not be funded by IDEA, Part B funds to be considered for attendance.
For more information on the EE Codes visit this link or download this handout with EE Code definitions.