Special education services are available to meet the unique learning needs of eligible students. The District uses universal screeners for all students to determine if there are any academic or social emotional concerns present. A Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) is used to provide students identified by the screeners extra supports and services to bring performance levels to those of their peers. In some cases schools may choose to do an evaluation to determine if a student is eligible for special education services. If found eligible for special education, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is developed and implemented.

Services provided under special education in the District include:

• Instructional/Self-Contained and Resource Services – When students are identified as eligible for special education services, academic, social emotional, motor, health, and speech /language learning needs are identified, goals are written, and services determined. When determining services and placement in classes, the least restrictive environment (LRE) is considered. We believe that the LRE for most students is the general education classroom. Some students, however, require more support from a special education teacher for their identified areas of deficit. When a student is in the general education class for the majority of the day, we describe the special education services as a "resource" level of support. For those students who require special education services for a majority of their school day, we describe the special education services as an "instructional" or "self-contained" level of support.

Related Services are also provided to supplement Resource and Instructional/Self-Contained levels of service. These may include the following:

Speech and Language Services – Speech and language therapy services are provided for eligible students.

Physical/Occupational Therapy – Physical and/or occupational therapy are provided for special education students whose gross and fine motor impairments have a documented educational impact. Students with sensory regulation needs may also benefit from service. Physical therapy is also based on a school based evaluation, but also requires a prescription from an outside licensed medical examiner.

Early Childhood Diagnostic Team and Early Childhood Program – A team based at Oak Crest provides diagnostic services to 3- and 4-year-old children to determine their need and eligibility for special education programs and services. Children found eligible are provided service at Oak Crest for EC instructional support. The Early Childhood program also provides itinerant speech services to eligible students.

Vision and Hearing Services -- Services for students with impaired vision, including special teaching, equipment, and supplies, needed for the student to develop to his or her educational potential are provided through an agreement with SEDOL. Services for students who are deaf and hard of hearing are provided through an agreement with the SEDOL, including diagnosis, instruction, supervisory case management, student and parent support services, professional growth activities and collaborative/consultative services. Students who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind or visually impaired may be eligible to receive services from the Illinois School for the Deaf or the Illinois School for the Visually Impaired.

School Psychologists – School psychologists provide diagnostic information about individual students including their intelligence levels, learning styles, and personality patterns. They also confer with parents and teachers to interpret test results and offer recommendations for follow up.

Social Work/Counseling – All schools have social workers on staff to support the social emotional well-being of all students in general and special education through group, individual, and consultative services.

Private/Parochial Services – Students attending private or parochial schools within the District 3 attendance area may be eligible for special education evaluation and support services.

Out of District Placements – Placement in a specialized setting is made when a student in special education has identified needs that cannot be met in the public school setting. These placements are made in both public day and state-approved private day facilities within the Chicago area.