Special Education

An IEP – or Individualized Education Program or Plan – is a term used to describe the official documentation of special education services that will be provided for your child as well as the meeting where these services are determined. The IEP is a management tool used to implement an educational program that includes a meeting where parents, students when appropriate, and school personnel jointly make decisions about an educational program for a student with a disability. A document is a  written record of the decisions reached at the meeting for a student who will receive special education and related services.

A request for special education services, or an IEP, is made at the school. This leads to the child being evaluated. The evaluation may include observations from teachers, parents, school counselors, and even your child's doctor or other professionals. If your child has been attending school for a few years, then their school work and performance may also be reviewed.

This information will be combined and included in an "eligibility determination." This step is where the information about the child is reviewed to see if your child needs special accommodations in order to learn the regular curriculum.

The Francis Howell School District is committed to providing a free, appropriate public education to all eligible children with disabilities between the ages of 3 and 21 under its jurisdiction. Service providers include:

• Speech/Language Pathologists
• Occupational Therapists
• Physical Therapists
• Nurses
• School Psychological Examiners
• Educational Diagnosticians
• Social Workers
• Vision Specialists
• Behavior Specialists
• Assistive Technology Facilitators
• Process Coordinator

Your child’s classroom teacher is the first person you should contact for guidance on how we can best work together to support your child’s educational needs. Other key building staff include your child’s counselor, school nurse, principal and assistant principal. If your child is already participating in a special program, or if you believe your child may be in need of special services, you should contact your child’s classroom teacher, counselor or principal for assistance. Please email specialeducation@fhsdschools.org or call 636-851-4060 to set up an evaluation.

Parents of children who are 3-5 years old or approaching 3 who suspect their child may have a significant developmental delay that may affect them educationally should contact the District to request an evaluation.

‘504’ refers to a section of a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities. With a 504 plan, students with disabilities can access educational accommodations, aids, and services. Section 504 requires that public schools provide a “free appropriate public education” (FAPE) to every student with a disability — regardless of the nature or severity of the disability. 

If you have a child or know of a student who may be eligible under Section 504, contact the student's school counselor or school administrator.

Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) services are provided for young children ages 3-4 with disabilities. The District is required by law to provide free and appropriate special education and related services in the least restrictive environment for eligible students beginning on their third birthday.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility for ECSE is based upon significant delays in development that affect the student’s educational performance. 

After all steps in the special education process have been completed, a multidisciplinary team may determine that a student is eligible for services under the Young Child with a Developmental Delay diagnosis when the student’s development is significantly below that of their peers. Significantly below is defined as performance at or below 1.5 standard deviations, or equivalent levels, of the mean in any of two developmental areas or at or below 2.0 standard deviations, or equivalent levels, in any one area of development and the child needs special education and related services. Areas of development that can be used for eligibility determination include:

• Cognitive Development
• Communication Development
• Physical Development
• Adaptive Development
• Social or Emotional Development

Transition

All evaluative/diagnostic procedures shall be followed in determining the student’s eligibility for ECSE services. The District is required to provide special education and related services as identified on the IEP as of the student’s third birth date unless the third birth date occurs during a normal vacation period. Children whose third birthdates are May through August may continue in the First Steps program until the initiation of the district’s school year at no cost to the parents. The Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) will terminate upon commencement of the school year. Children whose third birthdates are April 1 through May 1, may either transition to the District program before the end of the current school year or continue services in First Steps until the initiation of the District's school year. Children who meet ECSE eligibility and enroll in the District for the remainder of the school year must be considered for Extended School Year as required by law. The District may document that it has made a diligent effort to complete the diagnostic and IEP process, but despite that effort, was unable to do so within the timelines.

The Francis Howell School District’s Special Olympics program gives athletes of all ability and age the opportunity to participate in a number of individual and team sports. It helps create an environment where everyone feels welcome, valued, and included both in school and in their local community. 

Through the power of sports, people with intellectual disabilities discover new athletic skills and abilities while making friends. FHSD Special Olympic athletes find joy, confidence and fulfillment - on the playing field and in life. The program operates year round and includes ten different sports.

Register to compete in Special Olympics

For more information about Special Olympics, contact:

Eddie Mulholland
636-851-5115

Stay up-to-date on news and updates about FHSD’s Special Olympics program.

View Special Olympics News and Updates