Screenings

To identify students who may be eligible for special education, various screening activities are conducted.  Mandated periodic hearing and vision screenings are conducted by the district health services staff.  Speech and language concerns are screened during kindergarten registration as well as on a referral basis. Teachers continually assess gross-motor, fine-motor, academic and social/emotional skills.

Child Study Team

Concerns that arise regarding a child's functioning in school may result in a referral to the Child Study Team (CST), which consists of the child's parent or guardian, teacher(s), school counselor, principal, and other appropriate school personnel (school psychologist, nurse, etc.).  The CST then meets to discuss the nature of the concerns that exist, consider any relevant screening information, and develop possible courses of action that are likely to help.  The CST may recommend adaptations and accommodations that can be implemented within the context of the regular classroom environment.  Should the need exist, the CST may recommend that a child be evaluated for special education eligibility. 

MDE/IEP

If adequate progress is not made with the involvement of the Child Study Team, the District will seek parental consent to conduct a Multidisciplinary Evaluation (MDE). The team will make recommendations for interventions to meet the student’s specific needs, and this requires parental involvement.  Parents are invited to participate in the development of the evaluation process and the development of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) for the purpose of determining eligibility, specially-designed instruction, and appropriate educational placement. If parents disagree with the recommendations of the IEP Team, they may initiate due process procedures by noting disapproval on the Notice of Recommended Educational Placement (NOREP).

Services for Preschool Children

Act 212, The Early Intervention Services System Act, entitles all preschool children with disabilities (ages three to the age of district enrollment) to appropriate early intervention special education services. The Pennsylvania Department of Education is responsible for providing programs and services to children.  Further inquiries should be directed to the Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit (CSIU) Preschool Program at 570-523-1155, ext. 2221.