WELCOME TO MONTICELLO SCHOOLS SPECIAL EDUCATION
“All of us do not have equal talent, but all of us should have equal opportunity to develop our talent.”
John F. Kennedy
Monticello Public Schools provide special educational programming and support to students who have special educational needs. Services are provided to students with a full range of disabilities in the least restrictive setting. The need for services is determined by the special education team.
Academic Support – Academic support is provided by special education teachers to students who qualify for services. A student must meet state criteria in a specific area of disability and have needs that cannot be met in regular education before they can receive services. Once identified as a student in need of services the IEP team, composed of parents, teachers, the school psychologist and an administrator develop an individualized education plan for the student. Students can be referred for an evaluation by school staff or by a parent. Special education evaluation and services cannot be provided without parental permission.
Emotional Behavioral Support – Emotional behavioral support is provided for students who exhibit social, emotional and behavioral functioning that interferes with the child’s ability to make academic progress and maintain appropriate social relationships. Students must meet state criteria to be identified as a student with an emotional behavioral disability. Once identified as a student in need of services the IEP team, composed of parents, teachers, the school psychologist and an administrator develop an individualized education plan for the student. Students can be referred for an evaluation by school staff or by a parent. Special education evaluation and services cannot be provided without parental permission.
School Speech & Language Therapy -–The speech and language therapist will assess, diagnose, treat and help prevent communication disorders. The speech therapist works with all ages of children. Therapy is provided in a variety of ways including one-on-one, small group setting or within the regular education classroom. Speech/Language may be offered as a related service or can be identified as an area of disability. Special education evaluation and services cannot be provided without parental permission.
School Occupational Therapy – A student may require occupational therapy in order to benefit from special education programming. Occupational therapists use direct and indirect services, assistive technology, and environmental modifications to achieve educational goals. The therapist works collaboratively with school staff, parents, and the child to self-regulate, increase play or leisure activities at school and pursue academic and vocational goals. OT is a related service; it cannot be identified as a disability
School Physical Therapy – A student may require physical therapy in order to benefit from special education programming. The school physical therapist evaluates a child’s ability to move throughout the school allowing the child to participate in class activities. PT is a related service; it cannot be identified as an area of disability.
Preschool Screenings – Each spring or late winter the school district screens three and four year olds to allow for early identification of special needs. This event is advertised in local newspaper and the school newsletter. However, a parent can request a screening/evaluation at anytime.
Early Childhood Services – Monticello serves 3 year old children who have an identified disability. The district strives to serve these children in a developmentally appropriate environment. Services may be provided in the home of a parent or relative, at a daycare or within the school setting. Referrals for services come to the school district from physicians, parents,and county Birth to Three agencies. The District may also refer a child following Child Development Day. If you have a concern with an area of your child’s development (speech and language, fine or gross motor skills, cognition or behavior), please contact the school. Early intervention services are currently provided in the district’s Early Childhood program. Prior to receiving services, your child must meet eligibility requirements. Please contact Erikke Nystrom-Grothaus, Pupil Services Director at 938-2797 or Rachel Lamps,Speech & Language Therapist at 938-2741 if you have concerns regarding your child’s development.
CESA Contracted Services – The school district contracts with Cooperative Educational Service Agency#2 (CESA 2) to provide professional development for staff and educational services for students with low incidence disabilities such as Vision and Hearing Impairments.
Related Services – In addition to occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech and language, transportation, nursing and health related services, audiology, educational interpreting, counseling/guidance, assistive technology are also related services. The need for a related service is determined by the IEP team.
|