Special Education Programs and Services Cambria Heights School District MISSION: The Cambria Heights School District provides a free, appropriate public education (FAPE) to all exceptional students according to federal, state, and district policy. The district supports an inclusive rationale that recognizes that each student is a distinctive individual with specific strengths and/or needs, and recognizes that all children learn at different rates and deserve resources to match his/her needs. These resources should be provided within the general education curriculum to the maximum extent appropriate. INCLUSION STATEMENT: "Inclusion" of all students means that students with disabilities are educated in supportive, heterogeneous, and age-appropriate settings. The goal of inclusion is to prepare students to lead independent adult lives in a diverse and integrated society. Inclusion involves the careful assessment of the needs of each district student, and the application of measures that would best meet their needs. Properly implemented through differentiated instruction, collaboration, co-planning, and co-teaching, inclusive practices benefits all students. Some of the many gains made through inclusive practices are in the areas of social interaction, language development, appropriate social / academic behaviors, self-esteem, exposure to age-appropriate / grade-level content, and academic performance. SUSPECTED NEEDS: If you suspect that your child may have special needs that influence his/her ability to learn or interact socially/emotionally in the school environment first consider the following steps:
* Pre-referral interventions may be implemented [with parent/caregiver consent] to assist students in overcoming any difficulties they may be experiencing (e.g., DIBELS screening, Early Intervening - formally Instructional Support, Title I, COPE, Student Assistance Team, Educational Support, etc.). School staff will monitor student progress in order to gauge the student's response to intervention. If the student is not showing progress, staff will notify the parent/caregiver to discuss the potential need for further assessment or formal evaluation for special services. All data will be kept confidential. To have your child evaluated for suspected needs, please provide a written request to your child's building principal (Mr. Strasser - Elementary School, Mr. Caldwell - Middle School, or Mr. Laurito - High School) or supervisor of special education (Mr. Diamond). The request should include the facts, suspected problems, and any other concerns. The following are programs and services available to Cambria Heights School District students to meet their specific needs: Autistic Support, Emotional Support, Extended School Year, Hearing Support, Learning Support, Life-Skills Support, Multiple Disabilities Support, Other Health Impairments, Speech and Language Support, Vision Support Adaptive Physical Education, Assistive Technology Devices, Behavioral Intervention Plans, Early Identification/Intervention, Early Intervening (formerly IST), Functional Behavioral Assessment, Guidance Counseling, Occupational Therapy, Paraeducator Support, Physical Therapy, Psychological Counseling, Referral to Outside Agencies (CASSP, Mobile Therapy, etc), School Health, Social Work, Student Assistance, Transportation, Transition, Vocational Education. EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS: The Cambria Heights School District strives to ensure that the educational rights of your child are being met. Parents/Caregivers are encouraged to obtain a free copy of the Procedural Safeguards Notice which outlines your child's educational rights. *Copies are provided at least annually to parents according to IDEA regulations. Parents/Caregivers are further encouraged to contact the Supervisor of Special Education (Mr. Robert Diamond, 344-8676, rdiamond@chsd.k12.pa.us) to review any specific questions or disagreements with referrals, evaluations, placements, or service delivery. CONFIDENTIALITY: Student information and intervention/progress data will be kept in confidence by school faculty. This information will not be disclosed to anyone without legitimate educational interest, nor will these needs cause any student discrimination in the school environment. ACCESSIBILITY: The Cambria Heights School District school buildings meet federal requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Assistive Technology Devices, other equipment, and professional supports are available to meet student needs. Department of Students with Special Needs Cambria Heights School District 138 East Campbell Street PO Box 510 Carrolltown, PA 15722 (814) 344-8676 (814) 344-2118 FAX rdiamond@chsd.k12.pa.us RESOURCES FOR PARENTS/CAREGIVERS: The Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services (OSEP) www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/osep/index.html Pennsylvania Department of Education Pennsylvania Training and Technical Assistance Network Appalachia Intermediate Unit 08 |
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Sun, November 22nd, 2009
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