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What is the Early Childhood Evaluation Center in OUSD?

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In Oakland Unified School District (OUSD), the Early Childhood Evaluation Center (ECEC) is the district’s central hub for assessing the developmental needs of young children—typically ages 3–5—who may qualify for special education services before kindergarten.

The ECEC’s main roles are to:

  • Conduct comprehensive evaluations to see if a child qualifies for an Individualized Education Program (IEP).

  • Assess all areas of suspected need (speech, motor skills, social-emotional development, cognition, adaptive skills, etc.).

  • Review existing medical or developmental reports from doctors, psychologists, or early intervention providers.

  • Work closely with families to explain results, answer questions, and connect them with appropriate preschool programs and related services.

In short, the ECEC is the “starting point” in OUSD for families who have developmental concerns about their preschool-aged child and want to explore services or supports before they enter elementary school.