DISABILITY SERVICES AT USA SCHOOLS

USA Schools is committed to serving all students and believes that all students have the ability to learn and succeed. Students that have a need(s) that impedes learning are supported in a variety of ways. Many times, accommodations are made informally by the teacher and staff. On occasions, however, some students need more support to succeed. Follow these steps in supporting your child's special learning needs:

TALK TO YOU SON/DAUGHTERS' TEACHER.

Many times, teachers make accommodations based upon the needs of a student without an official plan in place. Some student perform better sitting near the front of the room. Others need multiple visual cues. Teachers recognize these needs constantly and make adjustment to meet the needs of their students. At times, however, some students continue to struggle. If a teacher and/or a parent believes that a student is in need of further support, their next step should be to request a child study meeting.

REQUEST A CHILD STUDY MEETING.

A child study is the first step to determine what supports are currently in place and what needs still exist. Typically present at a child study are teachers, administration, support staff from ISD (speech therapist, school psychologist, school social worker, etc.), parents (family), and student, depending on their age. The child study participants vary based on the needs of the team. The participants, oftentimes referred to as the child study team, will determine what steps need to be taken to better support the student's learning.

CHILD STUDY RESULTS

Many times a child study will result in the team developing an informal plan, that might involve tutoring, reading intervention, developing a behavior plan, etc. Sometimes, however, more information is required for the team to make a decision in the best interest of the child. In these cases, testing might occur. Most testing is provided by our ISD staff, which may include the school psychologist, school social worker, speech therapist, physical therapist, occupational therapist, etc. Testing occurs predominantly when a student might benefit from special education services.

504 PLAN

At times, students receive additional help without special education support, with a 504 plan. Any student with a documented disability can qualify for a 504, should their disability impede their learning.

MORE INFORMATION

Information on special education driven by the Individuals with Disabilities Educational Act (IDEA) and/or 504 Plans of the Rehabilitation Act explains what the two system of support have in common and how they differ.