How do I know if my child qualifies for special education services?
A: Please call the Special Education Department and request to speak to the Director. The Referral to Special Education page provides information regarding how a child becomes qualifies for special education.
If my child is in special education will they be given a label that will impact them and be with them for the rest of their lives?
A: All children who become eligible for special education must qualify under one of the disabilities using State guidelines and definitions. This information is confidential and can only be shared with agencies, schools, employers, colleges, with the signed written consent of parents and/or students once they reach the age of majority.
If my child is in special education will they be removed from their classroom and be in a separate room or school?
A: A student who is eligible for special education will have an individualized plan written. The plan will detail what, where, when, and by whom special education services will be provided. The child will remain a part of their regular education class. Special education services may consist of the child getting specialized help in reading, having speech services, or having help within the regular education classroom. The goal is for the child to succeed, make progress in school, be a part of their regular education classroom, and get the help they need, where and when they need it.
If I have a question about special education services, who do I call?
A: Call the school and request to be transferred to the Special Education Department.
What is RTI (Response to Intervention)?
A: “Response to Intervention (RTI) is a multi-tier approach to the early identification and support of students with learning and behavior needs. The RTI process begins with high-quality instruction and universal screening of all children in the general education classroom. Struggling learners are provided with interventions at increasing levels of intensity to accelerate their rate of learning. These services may be provided by a variety of personnel including general education teachers, special educators and specialists. Progress is closely monitored to assess both the learning rate and level of performance of individual students. Educational decisions about the intensity and duration of interventions are based on individual student response to instruction. RTI is designed for use when making decisions in both general education and special education, creating a well-integrated system of instruction and intervention guided by child outcome data.” -The RTI Network
What is Child Find?
A: “Child Find is a continuous process of public awareness activities, screening and evaluation designed to locate, identify, and refer as early as possible all young children with disabilities and their families who are in need of Early Intervention Program (Part C) or Preschool Special Education (Part B/619) services of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Who qualifies for screening processes like these?
A: All residents in District 432 can request that a screening be performed. Illegal or homeless residents whose children live in the school district may also request early screening. Please contact the special education office for further information. Children that are home schooled and live in the district may request a screening. Children who attend a private school within the Somonauk School District may request a screening.
Are there any programs out there that help parents with special education students?
A: There are several in the State of Illinois that might help. Please visit some of the links provided under the “Advocacy Links” bar at the right of the page. You might also find that local communities might have support groups or advocacy programs already at work in churches, community centers,