The Department of Pupil Services provides a team approach to evaluate and educate children with special needs from age three to graduation from eighth grade. Our goal is to promote success for each student to the best of his/her ability. We believe that a partnership between school and home best serves the child.

We are committed to:

• Providing a continuum of services within the least restrictive environment (LRE).
• Identifying student needs early and developing appropriate interventions.
• Creating and implementing Individual Educational Plans (IEPs) for students who require formal special education services.

Eligibility

Eligibility for services is determined via a school-based team assessment process that may include Response to Intervention (RTI), formal and informal evaluation measures, observations, and record reviews. Eligibility for special education service is based upon the student’s educational needs as well as federal and state guidelines.

Referral

A student who is experiencing difficulties in school may be referred to the school problem-solving team by a teacher, parent, principal, or other concerned person. The team reviews the referral information and collaborates with the classroom teacher to develop intervention strategies. The problem-solving team also determines the need for additional evaluations. When an evaluation is considered parents will be notified of the team’s decision as to the need for an evaluation. Written parental consent is required before an evaluation is initiated.

When the evaluation has been completed parents are invited to attend a formal meeting where the evaluation data is reviewed and special education eligibility is determined. If the student is eligible for special education services an Individual Educational Plan (IEP) will be developed.

If you have questions about the evaluation process or supports/services that may be available to your student please contact your building principal.

Mark Ditthardt
Director of Pupil Services
markditthardt@winnetka36.org