1. PUBLIC NOTICE REGARDING THE AVAILABILITY OF SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES The Edwardsville School District offers a full continuum of services for those eligible for special education and related services. Parent(s) who believe that their child may require special services should contact the local building principal or Becky Kolda, Director of Special Education/Student Services at 655-6016. If it is determined that a case study evaluation is needed to determine eligibility for special education services, parent(s) will be required to consent to such a case study evaluation being conducted and have the right to a report of the evaluation information and attend any meetings to determine eligibility for services. If parents have questions regarding their child’s referral for a case study evaluation, please direct questions to Becky Kolda, 655-6016. Additional information concerning special education services may be obtained by contacting Becky Kolda at 655-6016.

2. NOTICE OF INTENT TO PROVIDE SPEECH AND LANGUAGE SCREENING SERVICES The Edwardsville School District provides a comprehensive program of speech and language services in accordance with state and federal regulations. A speech and language screening will include a review of the child’s communication abilities and will address language use, articulation, fluency, and rhythm. A uniform screening process will be used throughout the district.

3. NOTICE OF INTENT TO OFFER HOME/HOSPITAL INSTRUCTIONAL SERVICES If a child has a temporary physical or health impairment which his/ her physician estimates will require a minimum of ten days absence from school, he/she may be eligible for homebound or hospital instruction. Please contact the building principal to initiate these procedures.

4. SPECIAL EDUCATION COMPLAINT RESOLUTION PROCEDURE FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES EDUCATION ACT (IDEA) Complaints alleging violations of rights accorded parents and eligible special education students shall be referred to the Director of Student Services & Special Education. The Director will work with the parents and building principal to resolve the issues and concerns. If the issues cannot be resolved, the parent has the right to request mediation and or pursue a due process hearing. Please refer to the procedural safeguards provided to parents on, at least, an annual basis. For further questions, contact Becky Kolda at 655-6016.

5. ACCESSIBILITY “Reasonable accommodations” will be made for students deemed disabled in accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act or the Americans with Disabilities Act. Parent(s) should immediately notify Becky Kolda at 655-6016 if he/she/they have reason to believe a reasonable accommodation is necessary for his/her/their child. A reasonable accommodation may require that the student be transferred to another building in the district to meet the child’s needs.

6. CONFERENCES/OTHER SPECIAL NEEDS Should anyone require special hearing assistance devices or an interpreter (TTD, TTY, etc) for parent conferences, school-wide/districtwide meetings, etc., he/she should call the Director of Student Services and Special Education (Becky Kolda at 655-6016) at least three (3) working days in advance of the date of the meeting or event. Similarly, if anyone desires to receive information that is distributed by the school district in Braille, large print, or on audiocassette, he/she should also notify Becky Kolda of such needs at the aforementioned number.

7. PROCEDURES FOR COMPLAINTS In the event that anyone has a complaint in regard to the school district handling of any American Disabilities Act related matter, such complaint must be filed, in writing, with the Superintendent of Schools. The Superintendent shall issue a written response to said complaint with thirty (30) days. In the event the complainant wishes to appeal the Superintendent’s decision, or no response is received within the time set forth, said complainant may appeal the decision to the Facilities Committee of the Board of Education which shall hear such complaint or grievance related to the District’s compliance with the ADA within 30 days or receipt of such written notice of appeal. The Facilities Committee shall respond in writing within 14 days of date of hearing. Finally if the complainant desires further consideration, they may appeal to the full Board of Education in the same manner as set forth for appeal to the Facilities Committee.

8. DISCIPLINE OF SPECIAL EDUCATION STUDENTS All discipline procedures for special education students shall be in compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and its implementing regulations. 9. BEHAVIOR INTERVENTION GUIDELINES The Board of Education of Edwardsville Community Unit School District No. 7 has adopted policies and procedures relating to behavior interventions for students who are eligible for special education services. A copy of the district’s policy and procedures can be obtained by contacting Becky Kolda at 655-6016.

10. MEDICAID FUNDING In order to maximize available financial assistance for the operation of the district’s special education programs, District 7 does apply for Medicaid funding for eligible students. If parents have any concerns regarding District 7’s accessing of these funds, please contact Becky Kolda at 655- 6016.

11. NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION Notice is hereby given that Edwardsville Community Unit School District 7 does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in admission or access to its programs and activities.

[back to top]