Special Education Services

Brookfield LaGrange Park School District #95 provides a full continuum of special education and related services to students with disabilities in accordance with state and federal laws. Students who receive special education have been identified as having one or more disabilities that adversely affect their educational functioning. Illinois schools are able to identify and serve children with disabilities under the following categories:

Autism
Deaf-Blindness
Deafness
Developmental Delay (for children ages 3-9 years old)
Emotional Disability
Hearing Impairment
Intellectual Impairment
Multiple Disabilities
Orthopedic Impairment
Other Health Impairment
Specific Learning Disability
Speech/Language Impairment
Traumatic Brain Injury
Visual Impairment

Special Education Processes

Referral

In order for a student to be evaluated to determine the need for special education and related services, a referral must be initiated. The referral process may be initiated by parents/guardians, the student’s educational team, a representative from a stated accredited private school within District boundaries, or in coordination with Cook County Child and Family Connections. Once a referral is initiated, the school team, including parents/guardians hold a meeting (called a Domain Meeting) to determine if an evaluation is necessary. If an evaluation is warranted, then the team will seek the parent/guardians informed consent. No evaluation of a student can occur without parent/guardian consent.

Pre-School Screening

Brookfield LaGrange Park School District #95 offers ongoing developmental screening opportunities for children ages three through five each year. Children are screened in the developmental areas of communication, fine and gross motor, cognitive, and social-emotional skills. Children identified through the screening process as being at-risk for learning and/or behavioral difficulties are referred for a case study evaluation. Children with risk factors may also be eligible for our Preschool For All Early Childhood program. The Early Childhood program at Brookfield LaGrange Park School District 95 is a non-tuition based program reserved for children who present with delays in their development and therefore, does not have open enrollment. If you have concerns about your child’s development, please complete this screening request form.

Evaluation

Brookfield LaGrange Park School District #95 uses a variety of standardized measures to determine whether a child requires additional support services. Some of these assessment tools may be direct in nature (e.g., academic assessment, classroom observation), and others may be indirect (e.g., parent/teacher interview/rating scale). During the evaluation process, parents and families should expect to hear from the team of professionals about what assessments are being given and when. The school team has 60 school days from the day parents/guardians sign consent to complete the evaluation.

Eligibility Meeting

Once the evaluation of your child is complete, a team of qualified professionals and you will meet to review the results of the evaluation and determine if your child is eligible for Special Education and related services. In order to prepare for this meeting, you will be provided with draft copies of all evaluation reports 5 days before the meeting, and will have the opportunity to discuss any questions or concerns with the individuals involved in the evaluation process.

Following a discussion of your child’s strengths and areas for growth, the team will determine whether your child is eligible using the guidelines set forth by the State of Illinois. If your child is found eligible for special education and related services, then the team will develop the individualized education plan (IEP). In some situations, this is done at the same meeting, and in others, if it can be done at another meeting.

As a parent/guardian, if you disagree with the decision of a school team, who have the right to seek assistance. Your rights as parents are outlined in the Procedural Safeguards and can be reviewed with the school team upon your request.

Individualized Education Plan (IEP)

An Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is developed for all students receiving special education and related services. The plan outlines the student’s present levels of performance, strengths, and areas for growth. The plan also includes goals and objectives that are linked to the areas for growth. Similarly, the plan defines the type and frequency of services, accommodations, and/or modifications that are necessary for your child to meet the goals and objectives listed in the IEP. When considering the educational placement of your child, the school team is required to consider the least restrictive environment (LRE) based on the needs of your child. The least restrictive environment is determined by the educational team, which includes meaningful participation of parents/guardians.

Annual Review

At least once per year, the school team is required to meet to review and update the IEP for your child and discuss his/her progress towards the goal and objectives listed in the IEP. During the annual review, the team may also make adjustments to goals or services in the IEP to better meet the needs of your child.

Reevaluation

At least every three years, the school district is required to review whether or not each child continues to require special education and related services. This process may include completing a variety of standardized measures that is similar to the initial evaluation process.

Students who are not eligible under IDEA

Students with disabilities who do not qualify for an individualized education program under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, may qualify for service under Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 if the student (a) has a physical or mental impairment, (b) has a record of a physical or mental impairment, or (c) is regarded as having a physical or mental impairment.

Availability of Related Service Logs

Students with disabilities may receive related services as part of their individual education programs (IEPs). Brookfield LaGrange Park School District #95 will maintain related service logs that record the type and number of minutes of the related service(s) administered to such students. Copies of any related service logs will be available to parents/guardians at their child’s annual review IEP meeting. Parents/guardians of students with disabilities may also request copies of their child’s related service logs at any time.

Parent Resources

Parent FAQ Regarding Special Education Services Regarding 2020-2021 School Year

Brookfield LaGrange Park 95 Parent Rights Information

ISBE Procedural Safeguards

Understanding Special Education in Illinois - A Guide for Parents

Illinois Family Resource Center on Disabilities

LaGrange Area Department of Special Education

Questions about the identification, assessment, and placement of students should be directed to Dean Pappas, Director of Student Services, at [email protected] or 708-588-8863.