Parent Information Guide - Prince George's County Public School ...

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM OFFERINGSHow can I find out more information about ESOL?For additional information about ESOL, call the ESOL Central Officeat 301-445-8450What is special education?Special Education is the education of students with special needsin a way that addresses the student’s individual differences andlearning styles. A child becomes eligible for special educationwhen the Individualized Educational Plan team identifies the childas having a disability and in need of specialized education. Thedisability must have educational impact. Students are eligible toreceive special education services through age 21.How does a child qualify for special education?School Referral: If a child is experiencing difficulty learning, andclassroom and school-level interventions have not been successful,that child may be referred to the IEPT (Individualized EducationalPlan Team) that is made up of school personnel, specialists, andthe parent(s). The IEPT will decide whether they recommend thatthe child be tested to determine if a disability exists that is hinderingthe child’s academic success. With parent permission, tests areadministered, the results are reviewed (with the parent), and theteam determines if the child is eligible to receive special educationservices.Parent ReferralA parent may refer a student by contacting the child’s teacher orother school professionals to ask that their child be evaluated. Thisrequest may be verbal but it is best to put it in writing.Child FindEach state is required to identify, locate, and evaluate all childrenwith disabilities who need special education and related services. Todo so, states conduct what are known as Child Find activities. Whena child is identified by Child Find as possibly having a disability andas needing special education, parents may be asked for permissionto evaluate their child. Parents can also call the Child Find office(301-808-2719) or ask that their child be evaluated.What happens if my child is eligible for special education?School personnel will work with the parent to develop anIndividualized Educational Plan that addresses the child’s individualneeds. This is called the IEP. The IEP is a legal document thatensures that your child is provided the services he/she needs.How are parents informed of their rights regarding thespecial education process?The procedural safeguards notice includes a full explanation ofparents’ rights in an easily understandable manner and in theirnative language.This document applies to children and families receiving servicesthrough an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) and alsoto children/students receiving services through an IndividualizedEducation Program (IEP). (MSDE 2010)What kinds of services are available to help my child withhis/her special needs?Special Education services are available for students with certainhandicapping conditions involving seeing, hearing, talking, walking,learning or behaving. Schools provide special education servicesfor students with disabilities to help them succeed in school. Thereare a range of special education services to support the student toreceive the best education possible. Some students in Kindergartenthrough High School receive instructional assistance at their school.Some students attend special centers. There are services availablefor students who need support such as occupational therapy,physical therapy, speech and language therapy and/or assistivetechnology.How will I track my child’s progress?In addition to the regular report card, your child will receive aprogress report from the child’s special education teacher eachquarter. The progress report reviews your child’s progress towardshis/her individualized goals. Additionally, the IEP is reviewed everyyear (annual review) to determine progress towards goals, and toestablish new goals for the upcoming year.What should I do if I determine that I no longer want mychild to receive special education services?If a parent would like to withdraw consent for special educationservices, please refer to the “Parental Rights Maryland ProceduralSafeguard Notice” booklet provided at their IEP meeting. Contactthe special educator at your child’s school if you need a copy of thisdocument.55