Special Education
The District’s special education staff is committed to serving our students and their families in the areas of early childhood education; special education; and related services such as speech language therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, psychological services, transition and special transportation.
We have high expectations for all children, and in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), ensure access to the general education curriculum in regular education classrooms, to the maximum extent possible. The International Baccalaureate Program, adopted by the District at all grade levels, stresses the importance of embracing diversity and provides endless opportunities for all students to become independent thinkers and inquirers.
Our parents are an integral part of the special education process. We value collaboration and communication and look forward to meeting the unique needs of every child.
Contacts
Meghan Shelby, Ph.D., Director of Student Services
Erin Dzolic, Special Education Supervisor (Preschool and Elementary)
Jennifer Currie, Special Education Supervisor (Middle and High School)
Nicole Lee, Administrative Assistant
Linda Williams, Senior Administrative Assistant
Child Find and Evaluations for Special Education
The District seeks to locate, evaluate and identify all children residing in the district who may have significant, individual needs that may require special education and related services. Special education services and programs are available for students identified with educational disabilities between the child’s 3rd birthday and their 22nd birthday.
Teams of educators at each building review different data points to determine whether a student may need extra support in addition to what is given to all students. These teams then identify the best evidence based interventions, who will provide the interventions and how long they will last. You may hear this process referred to as part of the Multi Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) or Response to Intervention (RtI). In many cases, this additional support resolves the area(s) of need. If not, more intensive interventions may be implemented. If based upon the student’s progress in these interventions or the intensity of the interventions needed, the team may request that the student be evaluated for special education eligibility.
Parents or guardians who suspect their student may need special education should contact the school psychologist and principal at their student’s school. The school psychologist will convene a team to discuss the concerns and determine whether or not to proceed with an evaluation. At the preschool level, the request may be made to the Preschool Coordinator or Special Education Supervisor as well as to the school psychologist.
The Ohio Department of Education and Workforce (ODEW) has created a detailed Evaluation Roadmap to help explain and guide parents through this process. This roadmap is available in multiple languages on the ODEW website.
Special Education Services
Decisions about what special education and related services will be provided to a student as the frequency, duration and location of those services are made on an individualized basis through an Individualized Education Program or IEP. These decisions are made by a team that includes the parent or guardian, general education teacher, special education teacher, district representative (administrator) and student as appropriate.
Consistent with best practices and the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), students receive their special education and related services with non-disabled peers to the greatest extent possible for that student.
Parent Resources
A Guide to Parent Rights in Special Education is a guide to the procedural safeguards for parents and guardians of students with disabilities. Additional information to support the parents of students with disabilities can be found on the ODEW website’s Families of Students with Disabilities page.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Who can I contact if I have questions about my student’s services or progress?
- How often does my student’s IEP team need to meet?
- What are the different disability categories in Ohio?