Special Education
Special Ed
Annual Public Notice of Special Education Services and Programs and Rights for Students with Disabilities AndNotification of Rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act
All children with disabilities residing in the Commonwealth, regardless of the severity of their disabilities, and who are in need of special education and related services, are to be located, identified and evaluated. This responsibility is required by a federal law called the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004, 20 U.S.C. 1200 et. seq. (“IDEA 2004”).
Chapter 711 of Title 22 of the Pennsylvania Code requires the publication of a notice to parents regarding public awareness activities sufficient to inform parents of children applying to or enrolled in the charter school of available special education services and programs and how to request those services and programs and of systematic screening activities that lead to the identification, location and evaluation of children with disabilities enrolled in the charter school.
In addition, the federal Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA), which protects confidentiality, requires educational agencies to notify parents annually of their confidentiality rights.
The Charter School fulfills its duties with this annual notice and has incorporated several sections of the PaTTAN Procedural Safeguards Notice into the Board-approved:
The Charter School also directs parents to the folling additional resources:
Updated Procedural Safeguards Notice from PaTTAN.
Enhancing Parent Involvement - A practical guide for Pa. School's
supporting students with disabilities.
Parents with questions regarding special education services, screenings, policies or procedures nay also contact our Principal or Special Ed Staff any time during school hours:
Bucks County Montessori Charter School
219 Tyburn Road, Fairless Hills, Pa 129030
(215) 428-6700
Brian Long - Principal - [email protected] - Extension 4402
Kelly Erickson - SE Teacher/LEA Supervisor - [email protected] - Ext. 4303
Sherry Walter - SE Teacher/Coordinator - [email protected] - Ext. 4301
Christina Mahan - SE Teacher - [email protected] - Ext. 4302
The purpose of this annual notice is to comply with the school’s obligations under Chapter 711 of Title 22 of the Pennsylvania Code and to describe: (1) the types of disabilities that might qualify the child for special education, (2) the special education programs and related services that are available, (3) the process by which the Charter School screens and evaluates such students to determine eligibility, (4) the special rights that pertain to such children and their parents or legal guardians and (5) the confidentiality rights that pertain to student information.
Title: Administrative Procedures for Internal Controls of IEP Development
Bucks County Montessori Charter School
In Compliance with Pennsylvania State and Federal Special Education Requirements
Introduction:
The purpose of this document is to outline the administrative procedures for the development of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) at Bucks County Montessori Charter School, ensuring compliance with both Pennsylvania state and Federal Special Education requirements. These procedures aim to promote transparency, adherence to legal obligations, and the provision of appropriate services for students with special needs.
1. IEP Development Process:
1.1 Referral and Initial Evaluation:
a. When a student is identified as potentially needing special education services, a referral is made to the IEP team.
b. The IEP team conducts an initial evaluation within the required timeline as per Pennsylvania state and federal regulations to determine eligibility and gather necessary information.
1.2 IEP Team Meeting:
a. The IEP team schedules a meeting within the mandated timeframe to discuss the evaluation results and develop an appropriate IEP for the student.
b. The meeting includes all required participants, such as parents/guardians, teachers, related service providers, and administrators, as specified by Pennsylvania state and federal regulations.
1.3 IEP Development:
a. The IEP team collaboratively develops the student's IEP in accordance with Pennsylvania state and federal requirements, considering evaluation results, student strengths and needs, parental input, and relevant educational goals.
b. The IEP includes measurable goals, appropriate services, accommodations, and modifications as mandated by Pennsylvania state and federal regulations.
1.4 Review and Revision:
a. The IEP team conducts an annual review of the student's IEP to monitor progress, determine the adequacy of goals and services, and make any necessary revisions.
b. Additional meetings may be scheduled to address changes in the student's needs or concerns raised by parents/guardians or school staff, in accordance with Pennsylvania state and federal regulations.
2. Documentation and Record-Keeping:
2.1 Confidentiality:
a. All IEP-related information is treated with strict confidentiality and shared only with authorized personnel who have a legitimate educational interest, in compliance with Pennsylvania state and federal privacy laws, such as the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).
2.2 Record-Keeping:
a. Accurate and up-to-date records of all IEP meetings, evaluations, assessments, progress reports, and related documents are maintained in compliance with Pennsylvania state and federal record-keeping requirements.
b. Documents are securely stored and retained for the appropriate period as specified by Pennsylvania state and federal regulations.
3. Communication and Collaboration:
3.1 Parent/Guardian Involvement:
a. Open and ongoing communication is fostered with parents/guardians throughout the IEP process, ensuring their meaningful participation and involvement.
b. Parents/guardians are provided with relevant information, including procedural safeguards, their rights, and opportunities to provide input, as mandated by Pennsylvania state and federal regulations.
3.2 Collaboration with School Staff:
a. Effective collaboration among teachers, support staff, and related service providers is facilitated to ensure consistent implementation of the student's IEP.
b. Relevant information and updates are shared with all involved parties to promote a coordinated and comprehensive approach to student support, in accordance with Pennsylvania state and federal requirements.
4. Training and Professional Development:
a. Regular training and professional development opportunities are provided to staff involved in the IEP development process, ensuring their knowledge and understanding of Pennsylvania state and federal special education requirements.
b. Staff members stay updated on current best practices, legal obligations, and research-based strategies for supporting students with special needs, as mandated by Pennsylvania state and federal regulations.
Conclusion:
These administrative procedures establish a framework for the development of IEPs at Bucks County Montessori Charter School, ensuring compliance with both Pennsylvania state and Federal Special Education requirements. By adhering to these procedures, the school maintains a commitment to providing appropriate and individualized education services to students with special needs while upholding their rights and ensuring their success.