Pupil Services
Special Services in the Guilford Public Schools
Dr. Patricia Free Brett, Director (203) 453-0128
Pupil Services Overview
Every child has a right to a free, appropriate public education. Some
children are exceptional and have disabilities, which make it difficult
for them to learn in the regular public school program without special
education services. The Department of Special Services ensures that all
children with disabilities between the ages of 3 and 21 will have the
appropriate programs of instruction and related services designed to meet
their individual needs.
When recommended by a Planning and Placement Team (PPT), special education
instruction and related services are provided to Guilford students at
all grade levels by certified and/or licensed professionals. Programs
for special needs students are designed to encourage participation in
the regular school program, wherever possible.
Preschool Program
The Guilford Public Schools Preschool Program is designed to meet the individual needs of children as determined by the Planning and Placement Team (PPT). For more information please link to Preschool Program.
Speech and Language Department
The Guilford Public Schools Speech and Language Department believes that every child should have the opportunity to reach his/her potential in communication skills. The ability to communicate effectively is one of the most basic of human skills, and speech and language development should play a fundamental role in the education of every child.
To learn more about the department please link to GPS Speech and Language.
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
What is Special Education?
Connecticut State Statutes define special education as "special
classes, programs, or services designed to meet the educational needs
of exceptional children." Exceptional children are those children
who deviate either intellectually, physically, socially, or emotionally
so markedly from normally expected growth and development patterns that
they are or will be unable to progress effectively in a regular school
program.
Special education is available to eligible children from age 3 until
graduation or age 21. If a special education student turns 21 during the
school year, special education will continue until the end of the school
year.
A preschool child requiring special education and related services is
entitled to a free, appropriate public education on and after the child's
3rd birthday. Eligibility for special education is determined by a Planning
and Placement Team (PPT) evaluation -- the type and degree of exceptionality
must be such that, without special education, it is unlikely that the
child will be able to make satisfactory educational progress when reaching
school age.
Teachers trained in special education provide instructional services
to children with disabilities in the Guilford Public Schools. The extent
of a special education teacher's involvement with a student with disabilities
will vary, depending upon the student's need for special instruction.
The special education teacher and classroom teachers collaborate on the
selection and modification of lessons and activities, which are designed
to enhance student success in the regular classroom.
Special Education Services
Guilford Public Schools provide a continuum of services and programs
for children with disabilities based on their specifically identified
needs. These programs will provide students with the opportunity to receive
specialized instruction in basic academic courses from certified special
education teachers in individual and small group instruction designed
to supplement or reinforce the regular classroom curriculum.
If an appropriate program cannot be provided in the Guilford Public Schools,
students are enrolled in special education programs in other districts
or agencies, which are designed to meet their educational needs. Related
services are offered to support a student's special education program
when necessary. They include: speech and language therapy, counseling,
occupational therapy, physical therapy, assessment and evaluation, school
health service, and homebound instruction.
Child Study Teams
Whenever possible, students' needs are met in the regular education program.
Students are referred for assessment and possible special education services
only after the resources of the regular education program have been fully
expended. The child study team is made up of staff members who meet weekly
to review student concerns, plan strategies to assist students in the
regular classroom, monitor student progress and, if necessary, refer for
assessment of eligibility for special education. Concerns regarding individual
students may be directed to the child study team by a parent(s) or staff
member.
The Referral Process
Referrals usually come from a child's teacher, parent or the child study
team. Referrals can, however, be made from other sources such as a family
physician. If there is evidence that special education services may be
needed, a referral is made to a designated PPT. Before the PPT can proceed
to gather information, evaluate the child, and recommend an appropriate
program, parents must be informed that their child is being considered
for special education, and the parent must give their written consent
before evaluation and testing can begin. Information is obtained only
with the knowledge and consent of the parents and is available to the
parents. Parents will be provided with a written notice and an invitation
to a PPT meeting at least five school days prior to the scheduled meeting
date.
Parents may refuse to give consent for the assessment and placement.
Parents may also revoke consent it is has already been given. Regulations
governing special education provide specific time schedules during which
the evaluation and placement procedures must be completed. Placement of
a student into a special program in the school district must take place
within 45 schools days from the date of the referral. Generally, placement
out of the school district must occur within 60 school days from the date
of referral. These placement time limits do not include the time required
to obtain written parental consent.
Least Restrictive Environment
Connecticut General Statutes define a least restrictive environment as
one which meets the needs of a child requiring special education -- to
the maximum extent possible -- but which fully serves children not requiring
any special education or related services. Guilford Public Schools is
committed to this concept, and to the importance of collaboration between
staff and parents in order to maintain and enhance this type of environment.
Planning and Placement Team
A school-level Planning and Placement Team (PPT) is a group of professional
personnel assigned to a specific school. The PPT is responsible for determining
whether a child is eligible for special education services, and for planning
an Individualized Educational Program (IEP) for that child. PPT membership
consists of a school administrator, a teacher, and a member of the Department
of Special Services, parents, and other appropriate staff. Parents may
invite other individuals who they believe can contribute to the decision-making
process.
All children who receive special services must have a written IEP, which
describes each child's program. All IEPs are reviewed at least annually
at a school-level PPT meeting.
Independent Evaluation
Parents have the right to an independent evaluation. The independent
evaluator must be certified and qualified to conduct the evaluation. The
Board of Education must pay for the independent evaluation or initiate
due process is the school's evaluation is believed to be appropriate.
The PPT may request that parents' personal insurance be used to help defray
the cost of all independent evaluations that are agreed to by the PPT
is appropriate.
Individualized Education Program
An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a written plan, developed
by a PPT, which describes the educational program for special education
services. All IEPs are reviewed annually.
The IEP includes: the child's current levels of educational performance;
special education and related services planned for the child; annual educational
goals; short-term instructional objectives; special transportation requirements;
the extent to which the child will participate in the regular school program;
any modifications of the regular program which may be necessary; the amount
of time to be scheduled for each part of the program; the date on which
the program will begin; the criteria to determine if the goals are being
achieved; and the exit criteria, which will determine when the special
program is no longer appropriate.
Procedural Safeguards
Parents of a child who requires or may require special education or related
services are guaranteed specific rights in accordance with State and Federal
laws and regulations. Guilford Public Schools provides a detailed information
brochure for parents upon request.
Confidentiality
In compliance with Guilford Public School's Board of Education policy
and State and Federal regulations, the Guilford Public School's system
strictly adheres to maintaining confidentiality of student records. Parents
who wish to inspect their child's records are invited to contact the Director
of Pupil Services.
Community Resources
KIDSTEPS Family and Children's Center, a division of SARAH, Inc. offers a unique, safe and accepting environment for parents/caregivers and their children to participate in small group activities and workshops. Their mission is to meet the needs of families concerned about their child's social, emotional, physical development and educational success. They provide theraputic, integrated and inclusive learning experiences for differently-abled children, ages birth to 12, their families and typcial peers. Their programs are open to all children.
|
