Parent Info - What is Special Education?

 

Special education is instruction that is specially designed to meet the unique needs of children that result from having a disability so they may learn the information and skills that other children are learning.

 

 

Certain children with disabilities are eligible for special education and related services. The IDEA provides a definition of a "child with a disability." This law lists 13 different disability categories under which a child may be found eligible for special education and related services. These categories are:

 

 

According to the IDEA, the disability must affect the child's educational performance. The question of eligibility, then, comes down to a question of whether the child has a disability that fits in one of IDEA's 13 categories and whether that disability affects how the child does in school. That is, the disability must cause the child to need special education and related services.

 

Child Find is a component of the Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) that requires all school districts to identify, locate and evaluate all children aged 6 - 22 with disabilities, regardless of the severity of their disabilities. If you know of a child with a suspected or identified disability who lives within the boundaries of the El Monte City School District, please encourage the parent to call the special education department at 626-453-3778 to learn about the process of determining the child’s eligibility of special education services.

 

 

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act is federal legislation that requires eligible students with disabilities to have equal access to a free and appropriate education.
https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/frontpage/pro-students/issues/dis-issue03.html

 

 

A parent, teacher, administrator, doctor, community agency, or any other concerned individual may refer a child who is suspected of having a disability to the Student Success Team (SST) at the child’s school of residence. When evidence of the suspected disability indicates a need for more in depth information, the child may be referred for assessment. Informed parent consent is required.

 

 

An assessment plan is a description of the assessments that will be used to explore the child’s strengths and needs in the area of suspected disability. After the parent receives their rights under IDEA and gives written consent to test the child, the appropriate specialists conduct the assessment with parent input. No single procedure can be used as the sole criterion for determining an appropriate educational program. The District must complete the assessment within 60 days of the initial referral, excluding breaks of 5 school days or more. For more information see: http://www.nichcy.org/pubs/basicpar/bp1txt.htm

 

 

An Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is developed for each child identified as having a disability and is eligible for special education services. The IEP is a written document that is developed, reviewed, and revised to meet the educational needs of the child.

 

 

 

 

Every IEP is reviewed and updated annually. However, a parent, teacher, or administrator may request a review in writing at any time. Requests may be submitted to the teacher who manages the implementation of your child’s IEP or the Special Education Office at the district office. The IEP meeting, by law, must be held within 30 days from the time the written request is received.

 

 

The Special Education Local Plan Area or SELPA is a consortium of school districts that serve the common needs of their students. San Gabriel is a member of the West San Gabriel Valley SELPA that shares programs and services with Arcadia, Duarte, Monrovia, South Pasadena, Alhambra, Garvey, Temple City, Rosemead, San Marino, El Monte, Valle Lindo and Mountain View School Districts.

 

 

The Community Advisory Committee serves the Special Education Local Plan Area in an advisory capacity.
El Monte City School District has representatives. For contact information, call the Special Education Office at (626) 453-3778.

 

 

A parent, teacher, administrator, doctor, community agency, or any other concerned individual may refer a child who is suspected of having a disability to the Student Success Team (SST) at the child’s school of residence. When evidence of the suspected disability indicates a need for more in depth information, the child may be referred for assessment. Informed parent consent is required.

 

 

The law requires that a student be placed in the least restrictive environment possible to effectively address his/her needs. The intent clearly is to have the special needs student as much a part of the regular school program as possible while giving consideration to the needs of exceptional and typically developing children participating in the program.

 

 

A Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) ensures that all children with disabilities have access to special education and related services designed to meet their unique needs and prepare them for further education, employment and independent living.

 

 

As questions arise, it is best to start with the person who is providing the service to your child first. If you still have questions or concerns…