Ohio Assessments for Educators (OAE) Early Childhood Practice Exam

What is a key responsibility of a general education preschool teacher for a child with an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) nearing age three?

1. Working with the child's family for a smooth transition

2. Obtaining permission to review the child's medical history

3. Informing families of other children in the program

4. Requesting a paraprofessional for classroom support

The correct answer is: Working with the child's family for a smooth transition

A key responsibility of a general education preschool teacher for a child with an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) nearing age three involves working closely with the child's family to ensure a smooth transition from early intervention services to preschool. At this stage, collaboration with families is crucial because transitions can be challenging for children, particularly those with special needs. The teacher's role includes facilitating communication between the family and other service providers and ensuring that specific strategies and supports outlined in the IFSP are implemented in the preschool environment. This creates a seamless transition and helps the child adapt better to the new learning setting. By supporting families through this process, teachers can help address any concerns and ensure that the child’s needs continue to be met in the educational setting. In contrast, obtaining permission to review the child's medical history, informing families about other children in the program, and requesting a paraprofessional are important tasks but do not focus specifically on the essential goal of aiding the child's transition and adjustment as they move into preschool. These tasks may be relevant in the broader context of supporting a child's educational experience, but they do not directly address the transition process that is vital at this age.