Special Education Services

Any parent, guardian, or school personnel who has concerns about a student may initiate a request for evaluation for Special Education eligibility. The request shall be made in writing and directed to the student's counselor. The written request shall include a statement requesting an evaluation and the nature of the concern. A screening team will address this request and determine what further action is appropriate. Within 14 school days, the district determines whether an evaluation is warranted, and if it is determined that an evaluation is not warranted, the district provides written notice to the parents of the decision, including the reasons for and the rights of the parent if they disagree with the decision. If an evaluation is to be conducted, the district convenes a team of individuals (including the parent) having the knowledge and skills necessary to administer and interpret evaluation data., identifies the necessary, notifies the parents of the team’s conclusions within 14 school days and requests the parents’ consent to conduct the needed assessments. If an evaluation is warranted, the district will complete the evaluation within 60 school days of receiving the parent's written consent.  A student may be considered eligible for special education services if the student is found to have a disability in one or more categories defined by federal and state laws (e.g. autism, intellectual disability, emotional disability, specific learning disability, etc.) that adversely affects educational performance and requires specialized supports or services. 

Should participants in a multidisciplinary staffing determine that a student is eligible, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) will be developed. An IEP is a written plan that describes the student's strengths, deficits, and needs, as well as the resources and services the District has committed to help the student make educational progress. For questions or assistance, please contact the child’s counselor. 

Students with disabilities may receive related services as part of their individual education programs (IEPs). District 219 will maintain related service logs that record the type and number of minutes of the related service(s) administered to such students. Copies of any related service logs will be available to parents/guardians at their child’s annual review IEP meeting. Parents/guardians of students with disabilities may also request copies of their child’s related service logs at any time.

All school districts and cooperative agreements in Illinois have been required to provide official written notice to parents of suspected and eligible special education students regarding a broad range of topics authorized by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). 

The Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) provides a comprehensive list and  instructions concerning the purpose of each form and its use, and additional information. Please see ISBE Notice and Consent Forms.