Getting Started In Special Education
Referral or Focus of Concern...
is
the first step in screening and/or testing children who are
suspected
of having
disabilities. To refer your student to Special Education, contact
your student's teacher or the school's Psychologist/Education
Specialist elementary schools~ Steve
Ward, 340-4071
or middle & high schools, Linda
Mitzlaff~340-4107.
Getting a letter…
This letter tells you that the Nine Mile Falls School District is considering
your child for special education services. Your rights as
a parent are included in this letter(Procedural
Safeguards).
It will describe the steps
we can take to support your child’s education, and
who to contact for information.
Gathering information.
Many people will work as a group to gather facts about your
child. The School Psychologist will start the process.
You will have
a big role in sharing information as well. Together we will
develop a picture of all the factors that influence your
child’s
learning.
Completing forms...
You will receive forms asking for your permission to evaluate
your child. Your child cannot be evaluated without your permission.
These evaluations will help us decide if your child would
benefit from extra services.
Looking at your child...
After testing, Nine Mile Falls School District staff will meet
with you to decide if your child meets IDEA (Individuals
with
Disabilities
Education Act) criteria. This will determine if your child
qualifies for specially designed instruction.
If your child needs specially designed
instruction..
It
begins with placement and an IEP.
Consent
for initial placement...
Nine Mile
Falls School District must get your written permission to
place your child in special education.
What’s
an IEP? (Individual Education Program)
An IEP is a yearly map of the learning progress we hope to see
your child meet. An IEP sets goals and timelines. It also lists
the team members who are responsible for helping your child
achieve them. We want you to take part and add your goals.
Each year you will be invited to attend an IEP meeting for
your child.
