SPECIAL EDUCATION

Kittitas School District Special Education Programs

Special education services are offered to students with documented disabilities from birth through age 21. The Individualized Educational Program team determines what services and supports are needed to provide an appropriate educational program for your child. We currently serve approximately 95 special needs students throughout the district.

Below is an overview of how we Identify, Refer, and Evaluate possible eligible students for the Special Education Program

Identification
Recognition on the part of a parent, a teacher, or another person that a child may have special learning needs.

Referral
Informing a school or agency that a student may have special learning needs. A parent, teacher, or other appropriate staff member may refer a student. To refer a child, request a Special Education referral form from the school, complete it, and return it to the school with any supporting documentation, e.g., outside evaluations that you may have.

Evaluation
The process of collecting and analyzing information and assessments such as psychological, medical, sociocultural, educational, and other appropriate information about a child, which are used to determine if the student has a condition which may have an impact on him or her educationally. Evaluation must be completed within 35 school days from parent’s written consent to evaluate.

Eligibility
The process by which a committee of professional staff members and the parents consider the individual needs of a student and determine whether the student is eligible for special education and related services. If the student is found eligible for special education services, parents and school staff members meet within 30 calendar days to develop an individualized education program (IEP).

Individual Education Program (IEP)
The procedure by which parents and school staff members develop a written plan called the Individualized Education Program (IEP) describing a student’s special learning needs and the special education services to be provided to meet those needs. The IEP team consists of parents; the student as appropriate; the student’s teacher; a general education teacher if the student participates or may participate in general education classes; a representative of the school district who is qualified to provide or supervise special education services; and others as requested. IDEA requires that an IEP contain the following:

A description of the student’s present level of educational performance, as well as any concerns of the parents.
A statement of annual goals, which may also include short-term instructional objectives.
A statement of the specific special education services to be provided to the student.
A statement concerning the extent to which the student will participate in general education activities.
The date when special services will begin and how long the services will last.
Information about how and when the student’s progress toward IEP goals will be evaluated.
A list of needed curriculum, testing, and classroom accommodations and modifications.
A statement concerning the extent to which a student will participate in the district-wide and statewide assessment programs and accommodations that a student will need during testing. If the student will not participate in the assessments, the IEP must indicate how the student will be assessed.
Parent signature required for services to begin, but is not required for continued services.
A statement of needed transition services for 16 years of age or older.

Annual Review
Every year a meeting will be scheduled with school staff and parent(s)/guardian(s) to develop, review. and revise the IEP of a student receiving special education services

Reevaluation
A reevaluation is required to be completed every 3 years or more frequently upon request by the parent(s) and or if circumstances warrant a reevaluation. During this process a review is completed to decide if additional and/or updated information is needed to determine individual needs and continued eligibility for special education and related services

We look forward to serving your family and ensuring your child has every opportunity to be a successful learner.

CHILD FIND

A component of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA 2004) requires school districts to locate, identify and evaluate all children with disabilities ages birth through twenty-one, who are in need of early intervention or special education and related services.

Parents and Guardians should contact Child Find if they:

Have questions about whether their child has a disability
Are concerned about their infant, toddler, or preschooler's development
Know their child has a disability and are looking for appropriate educational services

Children are evaluated for a suspected disability differently depending on their age. See the chart below to learn how to request an evaluation of your child. All evaluations are provided at no cost.

Infant and Toddler
0-3 Years Old

Screenings/Evaluations for infants and toddlers, birth through three years old, residing in The Kittitas School District are offered through Children's Village in Yakima.

Screenings/Evaluations will help parents and itinerants determine if your infant or toddler is following a typical pattern of development. If appropriate, the Children's Village will provide early intervention help for your child.

Birth to Age Three:
Coraima Carrasco Bilingual Referral Coordinator Children's Village|Multicare

Coraima.carrasco@multicare.org C:509.490.0797 D:509.574.6727

Preschool Age Children
3-5 Years Old

Developmental screening/evaluations are provided by Kittitas School District r for children 3-5 years old that remain in district. Screenings are scheduled monthly to determine if any and in what area(s) your child may require an evaluation if appropriate. If your child qualifies, your child will receive services at the Early Learning Center.

If you have questions or concerns about your preschooler's development, or to refer a child for screening/evaluation, contact Jenny La Frenier, 509-955-3120.

School Age Children
5-21 Years Old

Developmental screening/evaluations are provided by the Kittitas School District. Screenings are scheduled monthly to determine if any and in what area(s) your child may require an evaluation if appropriate. If your child qualifies, your child will receive services

If you have questions or concerns ab. out your preschooler's development, or to refer a child for screening/evaluation, contact your child's homeroom teacher or building administrator.

Providing student with exceptional needs the opportunity to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally and physically in an inclusive and supportive environment. We are committed to fostering an atmosphere of acceptance, understanding, and respect for all students, regardless of their abilities or disabilities. Our SPED program aims to provide comprehensive support services, including assistive technology, speech therapy, occupational therapy, counseling, and other resources that enable students to reach their full potential. Our District prioritizes professional development for our staff, ensuring they have the knowledge, skills, and tools necessary to effectively meet the diverse needs of our students. We believe in promoting inclusive practices that integrate students with special needs into general education classrooms whenever possible, while also providing specialized instruction and services as needed.