Special Services
Philosophy
Port Angeles Special Services staff members consider providing appropriate services and educational opportunities to the children of the district as their primary responsibility.
Each student’s educational needs are unique. Those specific individual needs which are more extensive than can be met by the regular program may be provided for by the Special Services programs.
Special Services programs are a supplement to, not a replacement for, the regular school program.
What is common school age?
A child between the ages of 5 and 21 is considered common school age, as defined by Washington State law. The Port Angeles School District does provide Special Services to students with disabilities between the ages of birth to age 21.
How are a student’s special needs determined?
Upon the analysis of assessment information, a child is found to have a cognitive, academic, physical, or adjustment disability which makes it impossible to achieve up to his/her capacity in the regular classroom, he/she may be eligible to receive Special Services program assistance when specially designed instruction is required.
Degrees of disabilities which meet eligibility criteria are defined in the Rules and Regulations as set forth in the Washington Administrative Code (WAC), Chapter 392-172.
What will an assessment include?
An assessment may include a review and evaluation of the student’s intellectual, physical, scholastic and social skills under the coordination of the Special Services office. The assessment is one of the services provided by the Port Angeles School District. There is no charge for this service.
What special needs are provided for in the Port Angeles School District?
The Port Angeles Special Services provides appropriate programs, services, or referral services for the following individual disabilities:
- Behaviorally Disabled
- Communication Disorders
- Gross Motor and Orthopedically Impaired
- Health Impaired
- Learning Disabled
- Developmentally Disabled Birth to Age 21
- Hearing Impaired
- Visually Impaired
Who may refer a child for Special Services assessment?
If a child is believed to have a disability, the following individuals may make the initial referral:
- Parent
- Student
- Teacher
- Administrator
- School Psychologist
- School Nurse
- Speech/Language Pathologist
- Counselor
- Social Agencies
- Physician
- Any Concerned Adult
Who will assess my child?
The Port Angeles Special Services assessment team will include all or part of the following personnel:
- School Psychologist
- Speech/Language Pathologist
- School Nurse
- Occupational Therapist
- Physical Therapist
- Counselor
- Other Specialists as needed
With the authorization of the parent or legal guardian, current medical information will be obtained from the child’s physician.
What programs are available to my child in the Port Angeles School District?
The program options available to children in the Port Angeles School District include:
- General Education Classroom
- General Education Classroom with Support Services
- General Education Classroom with support in a Resource Room Program
- Self-Contained Program with or without Support Services
- Home/Hospital Instruction
How is the placement of my child determined?
In determining the most appropriate placement for each child, the IEP team (Individual Education Plan), which includes the parent(s), considers a variety of options and determines which is best suited to meet the individual needs of the child, as identified in his/her IEP goals/objectives. Placement decisions must be aligned with and supportive of the goals and objectives of the IEP.
What support services are available to my child in the Port Angeles School District?
The following support services are available in the Port Angeles School District:
- School Psychologist
- Speech/Language Pathologist
- Occupational Therapist
- Physical Therapist
- School Nurse
- Referral Services
How will my child get to school?
Children in Special Services programs attend classes, when possible, in their attendance area schools; therefore, in most instances they may not require special arrangements for transportation.
Special transportation will be provided for all special needs students with that need noted on their IEP. Otherwise, students may ride general education buses if transportation is needed.
How do I make a referral?
Make an appointment for a meeting with a school district member. At the elementary level, this would be the building principal. At the middle school and senior high level, this would be the counselor. To refer a child, birth - age 5, or home-schooled, please contact Dianne Whitaker, Child Find Coordinator, at 565.1872.
If your child is enrolled in the district, but not in the Special Services program, it would be helpful to have the following information available:
Names and addresses of clinics or agencies which have seen your child.
A description of special medical and/or substantiating information giving evidence of a suspected disability.
If you feel a child may need a special program, there will need to be evidence of a suspected disability.
Written parent/guardian permission is necessary before a formal assessment for Special Services can proceed. Written parent/guardian permission is also necessary again before program placement is made. You may also be asked to sign a release for current medical information.
Whether a family resides within the Port Angeles School District or plans on moving into the district, the parents or other concerned adult may contact Special Services, 360.565.3740, to receive information regarding how to initiate a referral for assessment.
As mandated by state and federal law, and consistent with IDEA guidelines, the Port Angeles School District provides full access to educational opportunities for students with identified disabilities. Requests for review of applicable policies and procedures, as well as the Port Angeles School District LEA funding application, should be directed to Linda Williams, Director of Special Education at 360.565.3745.