What is Tiny-k?

Image of a toddler with developmental disability and two adults. The pair are playing with the toddler and have toy blocks on the floor. Below the image is a black box with white text reading “WHAT IS TINY-K”. In the top right hand corner is a white box with dark blue text reading “LEARN MORE” with and orange and blue cursor icon graphic to the right.

Navy blue rectangle with a white, thick, horizontal bar at the top. Over the white is navy blue text that reads: "KNOW YOUR SPECIAL EDUCATION RIGHTS: A GUIDE FOR PARENTS & STUDENTS IN KANSAS." Over the navy blue is white text that reads: "The flyer below and to the left is part of a series of one-page flyers covering over 30 Special Education topics. They are designed to give you "just in time" information for each step of the Special Education process. You can download the whole series in the form of an extensive booklet, or simply choose the topics and view the individual flyers as you need them." Under the text is an orange rectangle with white text reading: "SEE THE WHOLE SERIES HERE" with a white icon of a computer mouse inside of a navy blue circle.

PDF Version: Full Guide of all 30+ Flyers (Compiled as a Booklet)

Tiny-k is a program in Kansas for children with disabilities that are younger than 3. It provides services to children with exceptional needs and their families in a comfortable, known location, such as home or a childcare center. A family that may need Tiny-k services will get a family service coordinator. That coordinator will help make sure that the family and child meet the requirements of the program. This process will include an evaluation of the child.

Tiny-k services are based on the needs of the family. They could include:

• Speech therapy
• Occupational therapy
• Physical therapy
• Vision services
• Hearing services
• Family training
• Assistive technology
• Social work
• Psychological services
• Nutrition services
• Transportation services
• Other types of medical services

After it has been decided that your family and child are eligible, you and the family service coordinator will write an IFSP. This stands for Individualized Family Service Plan. The IFSP will include goals and outcomes that your child will work towards.

See more: What is an IFSP?

Tiny-k services end when your child turns 3. However, before their third birthday, your Tiny-k team will help you plan for your child’s next steps, whether they will receive special education services at school or participate in another program. Find your local Tiny-k program’s information here.

Sources & Additional Resources:

Kansas Special Education Process Handbook, Chapter 3. Kansas State Department of Education.

Kansas Infant-Toddler Services Procedure Manual. Kansas Department of Health and Environment.

Disclaimer: This fact sheet is not intended to provide specific legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney. Only an attorney can give you specific legal advice based on your particular situation. We try to update our materials regularly, but the law can change frequently. This publication is based on the law at the time that it was written. Future changes in the law could make information in this fact sheet inaccurate.