Our school encourages collaboration from families and outside agencies by recognizing that students are most successful when everyone works together as a team. By actively involving parents, guardians, and community partners, we are able to share valuable insights, resources, and strategies that support both academic and social-emotional growth. This collaborative approach strengthens communication, builds trust, and ensures that students receive consistent support across home, school, and community settings.

Community and State Resources 

Additional Links

• Operating Standards for the Education of Children with Disabilities
• Special Education Model Policies and Procedures
• A Guide to Parent Rights in Special Education: Special Education Procedural Safeguards Notice
• Translations: A Guide to Parent Rights in Special Education
• Section 504 Procedural Safeguards
• Evaluation Roadmap
• Secondary Transition Roadmap
• Ohio Department of Education & Workforce
• Ohio Department of Children & Youth
• Ocali

 

 

What is Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE)?
Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) means that your child has the right to a public education at no cost to you. This education must be designed to meet your child’s individual needs through an Individualized Education Program (IEP).

What is the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)?
IDEA, or the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, is a law that ensures children with disabilities have the right to a free and appropriate public education. It requires schools to identify, evaluate, and provide special education services to help these students learn in the best way possible. IDEA also guarantees that families are involved in planning their child’s education and that schools create an Individualized Education Program (IEP) tailored to each student’s unique needs.

What is Early Intervention?
If you are a parent/guardian of a child aged birth to three years who demonstrates delays or deficits in their development, please contact Help Me Grow Early Intervention at 1-800-755-GROW (4769).

What is an Evaluation Team Report (ETR)?
An Evaluation Team Report (ETR) for special education services is a comprehensive document that summarizes the results of assessments and observations conducted by a team of professionals. It determines whether a student qualifies for special education and related services, identifies the student's strengths and needs, and helps guide the development of an appropriate Individualized Education Program (IEP), if the student qualifies under IDEA.

How long is an Evaluation Team Report (ETR) in effect for?
An ETR is good for a maximum of 3 years.

Who do I contact if I am requesting an IDEA evaluation?
If you suspect your child may have a disability that meets IDEA requirements, please contact your building principal.

What is an Individualized Education Program (IEP)?
An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a formal, written plan developed for a student with disabilities that outlines personalized educational goals, services, accommodations, and supports to meet the student’s unique learning needs and ensure access to a free appropriate public education (FAPE).

How often is the IEP team required to meet to review the IEP?
The IEP team is required to meet at least once a year to review the IEP, but can meet more often to revise the IEP, especially if the child is not making progress. Under Ohio law, parental consent is required to initiate special education services, but is not required for implementation of subsequent IEP reviews or revisions. However, active parental participation in the IEP process remains essential. 

Who do I contact if I have questions about my child’s special education services?
Contact your child’s IEP Case Manager (Intervention Specialist or Related Service Provider). If you need further assistance, you can contact the Special Education Director, Lauri Dunham.

Lauri Dunham, Special Education Director- 419-823-4381 ex. 4008 or ldunham@otsegoknights.org

What is Specially Designed Instruction (SDI)?
Specially designed instruction (SDI) refers to teaching methods and strategies that are tailored to meet the unique needs of a student with disabilities. It involves adapting the content, delivery, or learning environment to help the student access the general education curriculum and make meaningful progress toward their educational goals. SDI is a key part of special education services provided through an Individualized Education Program (IEP).

What is the definition of Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)?
The environment where the child with a disability receives an appropriate education designed to meet his or her special educational needs, while still being educated with nondisabled peers to the maximum extent appropriate. The removal of a child with a disability from a general education environment occurs only when the nature or severity of the disability is such that education in regular classes with the use of supplementary aids and services cannot be achieved appropriately.

What is a Section 504?
Click here to see all information about Section 504.