FAQ

What is Special Education?

Special education is specially designed instruction that addresses the unique needs of a student eligible to receive special education services. Special education is provided at no cost to parents and includes the related services a student needs to access her/his educational program.

Early Stages (ages 0-2): Early intervention services are available to children who have disabilities and/or developmental delays. The Early Support for Infants and Toddlers (ESIT) program provides services to eligible children and families in a variety of settings - in their homes, in child care, in preschool or school programs, and in their communities.

School Age (ages 3-22): Students with disabilities who are determined eligible for special education and related services are entitled to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). Services are provided to eligible students according to an Individualized Education Program (IEP) in preschools, elementary, and secondary schools, or other appropriate settings.

What is a 504 plan?

Section 504 is part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973. It is a national civil rights law that protects qualified individuals from discrimination based on their disabilities. It is designed to eliminate discrimination in programs and activities that receive federal funds. Since all public schools receive federal funding, all public school districts must comply with Section 504.

Section 504 is not meant to maximize a student's potential. It is meant to level the playing field so that disabled students have the opportunity to participate and benefit from educational academic and extracurricular programs. It requires school districts to meet the needs of disabled students as adequately as the needs of non-disabled students. Because Section 504 seeks equality of opportunity and benefit between the disabled and non-disabled students, it relies on making comparisons between the student being evaluated with his/her non-disabled peers.

Section 504 requires school districts to provide free appropriate public education (FAPE) to each qualified student within the district who has a disability that substantially limits his/her participation in or benefit from programs and activities, regardless of the severity of the disability.

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I am moving in the district and my student has an IEP, what do I do?

When you enroll your student through our online system, you will have an opportunity to notify the receiving school that they have IEP services. Our school psychologist will obtain records from your previous district and connect with you to set up a move-in meeting, if needed. 

The school IEP team will review the IEP and may request a meeting with you to discuss services. If the IEP services cannot be provided at the school of enrollment, the team will connect you to a potential receiving school site. 

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How do we get started with special education services?

A referral is the first step toward receiving special education services. Any member of a student’s community (parents or guardians, extended family, teachers, medical professionals, community members, and/or agencies) may initiate a referral for evaluation. They can request evaluation from any staff member at the school. The referral will then be routed to the school Guidance Team or the school psychologist.  

Once a student has been referred, a team at the student’s school will decide whether or not to evaluate the student within 25 school days.

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What is an Individual Educational Plan (IEP)

An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a written statement for a student eligible for special education that is developed, reviewed, and revised in accordance with state and federal laws. The IEP guides your student's learning while in special education. It describes the amount of time that your student will spend receiving special education, any related services your student will receive, and the academic/behavioral goals and expectations for the year.

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What happens at an IEP meeting?

Your student's IEP team will meet at least once a year to talk about your student’s progress and make any needed changes to the program. The required members of your student’s IEP team includes:

• The student's parent(s) or guardian(s);

• At least one of the student's general education teachers (if s/he is participating or could possibly participate in general education);

• At least one special education teacher;

• A representative of the school district who is (1) qualified to provide, or supervises the provision of, specially designed instruction to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities, and (2) is knowledgeable about the general curriculum and the availability of resources within the district;

• An individual who can interpret evaluation results and the related instructional implications;

• Other individuals, at the discretion of the parent or the district, who have knowledge or special expertise regarding your student, including related services personnel, if appropriate; and

• Your student, if appropriate.

Overall, the IEP team is responsible for identifying and evaluating your student, developing, reviewing, and/or revising your student's IEP, and determining the placement or setting where your student will receive her/his special education services in accordance with the IEP.

We had my student evaluated by a private clinic; do we still need an evaluation done with the school?

Yes. The school has to complete their own evaluation to determine qualifications.

Does my student need a medically diagnosed disability to be referred for special education services?

No, there are 14 categories of disability and families are not required to seek outside diagnosis prior to or at any time of the evaluation process. 

If I have a concern about my student’s special education services, who should I talk to?

Parents who have questions or concerns about their student should first contact the special education teacher/case manager, general education teacher, and/or school therapist who works with their student. If your questions or concerns are not answered please reach out to your special education director.

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