FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
Are there special education infant and preschool programs
available?
Yes. Infants and toddlers aged birth through 36 months with diagnosed
disabilities, or at risk for disability, are served. Preschool
children ages 3-5 are also eligible for services. You can obtain
further information about infant and preschool programs by calling.
If I think my child has a learning problem, what should
I do?
First discuss your concerns with your child’s classroom teacher.
If your child has a demonstrated problem, which prevents him from
functioning in a regular school program without special help, then
your child may be eligible for special education services. As a
first step you may request that your child’s teacher make a referral
to the Student Study Team, or you may send a request for an assessment
to the Special Education Department.
What is a Student Study Team (SST)?
The SST is a regular education function. It is comprised of teachers
and other school personnel based at your local school site. This
team reviews a student’s problem(s) and plans alternative strategies
to be used in the regular program. Necessary interventions are
implemented and follow up should occur.
If my child is eligible for special
education, who decides what services my child will receive and what
program he/she will be in?
The appropriate services and programs will be based upon your child’s
individual special education needs, which are based on an assessment
of all areas of the suspected disability. The planning of your
child’s program and services is done by the Individualized Education
Program (IEP) team. The parent is an important member of this team.
What is the Resource Specialist program?
This program provides special instruction and other service to
students with special needs who remain in the regular class. Students
receive most of their instruction in the regular classroom with
some special small group instruction from the Resource Specialist.
What is an Individualized Education Program (IEP)?
The IEP is a written document developed for each student eligible
for special education, which is based on the educational needs of
the student as specified by the IEP team (professionals and parents).
What are related services?
Related services, also called Designated Instruction and Services
(DIS), are provided in addition to class placement, when needed. They include speech, physical and occupational therapy; vision,
hearing and audiological services; adapted physical education; assistive
technology; extended school year; and transportation.
What is due process?
Due process refers to procedures established to ensure that the
rights of parents and the school district are protected.
When are transportation services provided?
If age, disabling condition, or distance would prevent a child
from attending a special education placement, transportation services
will be provided.
Will my child be able to participate in an extended
year program?
Yes, if the IEP team has determined a need for an extended year
program. Generally extended year is available to those students
with intensive needs who require a continuation of services to prevent
a regression of skills.
What should I do if I don’t agree with everything in
the IEP?
You may give consent to those parts of the IEP with which you agree
and they will be implemented, thus not causing a delay in services.
You will be asked to write a disentating statement that will then
be attached to the IEP. The parts with which you don’t agree may
become the basis for a fair hearing or mediation.
If I have a problem with my child’s IEP or services,
what should I do?
First, discuss the problem with your child’s teacher and any other
school personnel who are familiar with your child’s special needs
and who may be able to help resolve the problem for you. You may
request that the IEP team meet to review and/or develop a new IEP.
May I observe special education programs that are available
in the district?
Yes, contact a Program Specialist in the Special Education Department
(437-8115 or 437-8121) to schedule an appointment.
May I see my child’s school records?
Yes, you are entitled to see all of your child’s school records. Make your request (either verbally or in writing) to the Special
Education Department.
May I obtain an independent assessment
of my child, and must that assessment be considered by the school district
in educational planning?
Yes. Parents may have an independent assessment done, at their
own expense, at any time, and the results must be considered by
the school to support the need for appropriate educational services. Under certain conditions, the school district may pay for an independent
assessment.
For how long will my child receive special education
services?
As long as the IEP team, including the parents, agree that special
education services are needed. This will be based on on-going evaluation
of your child’s eligibility needs.
How will my child’s IEP be affected if we move out
of this school district?
Your child’s IEP will still be valid and he/she will be placed
in a comparable program for a period of 30 days if you should move. During that time an IEP review should take place in your new school
district.
May I volunteer at my child’s school?
Parent involvement is strongly encouraged. Speak to your child’s
teacher about volunteering at school. There are many ways in which
you can become involved.
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