Committee on Special Education
What is Special Education?
Special Education is "specialized instruction" provided for students who are determined to have a specific disability as defined by Public Law 94-142 and amended by the 1997 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. It may be provided by one or several special education teachers(s). Also, related specialists will sometimes assist in the program planning or direct services for a child.
What is the cost for these services?
There is no cost to the parent.How is a child referred to Special Education?
School aged children are referred to the Student Support Team(SST) at the local school by parents, teachers, or other persons knowledgeable of the student's problems. The SST may be composed of school personnel, the referring teacher, and the child's parents. The SST refers to Special Education after other alternatives have been attempted and proven unsuccessful in helping the child in the regular classroom setting.
What are the different categories of Special Education?
Are other services available?
Yes! When appropriate, services are offered in the areas of: psychological evaluation, physical therapy, occupational therapy, related vocational instruction, specialized transportation, assistive technology devices and services, audiological services, nutrition services, social work services, etc.
When is referral to Special Education appropriate
A referral to Special Education is appropriate when:
A child is experiencing a persistent problem of a physical, mental or emotional nature which significantly interferes with the success of the child in his/her educational program.
And...
All alternatives available to the child in the regular program have been exhausted and/or are not applicable to the problem.
What steps occur following a referral to Special Education?
Parents are always contacted and informed of the reason for a referral. The reautorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (June 1997) outlines specific steps and procedures which must follow a referral to Special Education. The steps include parents' involvement and are:
Who do I contact if I have more questions about Special Education at LCS?
Your child's principal or Ms. Hafer or Mrs. Day-Schulz, Chairpersons of the Committee on Special Education at LCS. 393-4951 Extension 23133.CSE/CPSE
Chairperson:
Liz Hafer
CSE/CPSE
Chairperson:
Sara Day-Schulz
(315)393-4951
x23133