Special Education

Special education is an integral part of the total program offered to serve students in School District U-46.  Special education and general education staff work collaboratively to meet the needs of all of our students.

A full continuum of programs and services is available to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities between the ages of 3 and 21.  This site provides information concerning referral, eligibility, programs, services and parent involvement.

Eligibility

Recommendations regarding eligibility are made by a consensus of members of the Service Team.  In order for eligibility to occur, the student must be found to exhibit one or more exceptional characteristics that adversely affect his or her educational performance and require special education and related services.  Adverse effect on educational performance caused by an exceptional characteristic, the student will not be eligible for special education and related services, if there are no questions.

Referral

A student who is experiencing difficulties in school may be referred to the school service team by a teacher, parent, principal or other concerned person. The service team reviews referral information and collaborates with the classroom teacher to develop intervention strategies designed to facilitate student success within the general education classroom.  These intervention will/may be immediately implemented within the general education classroom.

Parents are invited to their child’s service team meeting. Service teams also determine the need for case study evaluation.  When an evaluation is discussed, parents are notified in writing of the team’s decision as to the need for an evaluation. Written parental consent must be obtained before an initial case study evaluation is initiated.                                                                                                                                               
Upon completion of the case study evaluation, parents are invited to a formal conference at which evaluation results are reviewed and eligibility for services is determined. If a student is eligible for special education services, an Individual Education Program is developed.

 Parent Involvement

The U-46 Special Education Department believes a cooperative effort between parents and school is necessary to provide the most beneficial programs and services for students.  Parents are encouraged to contact their children’s teachers with any questions or concerns related to the programs and services provided.  School service team staff and supervisors are also available to assist parents and students.  The Special Education staff is committed to working with parents to provide a positive, productive learning environment for students.

Through parent/teacher conferences and progress reports, parents are regularly informed of their student’s progress toward annual goals.

Instructional programs to address student achievement are the heart of special education.  There are special education programs for students with all types of disabilities.  These include:

The Early Childhood Program
Academic and Functional Programs for students’ kindergarten age through age 21 
The Homebound Program
Programs for students with hearing and vision impairments 
Resource and instructional level programs defined by student need   
Vocational Programs  
Transition Programs

The Special Education Department provides all related services specified in Federal and State Law.  These include:

Adaptive Physical Education 
Occupational Therapy
Orientation & Mobility  
Physical Therapy  
Speech and Language Therapy

Health Services*  
Psychological Services*
Social Work Services*

 *These services apply to all District students as needed including students who receive special education.