The Federal Law: Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) states that special education is specially designed instruction at no cost to the family to meet the unique needs of children with disabilities. This instruction may occur in a classroom, at home, or in the hospital.

Children who have a disability or handicapping condition which prevents them from being successful in the regular education setting may qualify for services. Children with disabilities often benefit from a combination of both regular and special education services.

If you feel your child has a disability and is not succeeding in regular education programs, contact your child's teacher and the school psychologist. If your child's teacher has concerns, she will consult with you ahead of time and may encourage you to get your child evaluated. Once it has been determined by you, your child's teacher, and the school psychologist that your child may benefit from special education services, the school's "Needs Assessment Team" will ask you for permission to test your child to see if he or she qualifies for services. If your child is new to the district, call the Wyandotte Special Education Cooperative at 913.551.3700. For programs in Kansas City, Missouri, call 816.418.7754.

What is the Needs Assessment Team?

This team is similar to an evaluation team and includes your child's classroom teacher, a special educator, and the school psychologist, and may include other professionals such as a speech and language pathologist and an occupational therapist. This team will test your child in the following areas: intelligence, academics, social-emotional skills, and how well your child does things on his or her own. Other areas of evaluation may include communication and motor skills, depending on your child's disability.

What Happens if My Child Qualifies for Services?

When the testing is completed, the Needs Assessment Team will determine if your child qualifies for services. The Needs Assessment Team will help you and your family develop the Individual Education Plan (IEP).

What is an Individual Education Plan (IEP)?

An IEP is a plan devised for your child that specifically states the objectives your child will work to achieve throughout the year. The IEP is based on the results of the testing. The plan is reviewed three times a year. You may request additional updates and reviews. Once the IEP is completed, you will be asked to give your written persmission to begin services. Your child's IEP will include:

• A statement about your child's present level of development.
• Annual goals and short term objectives.
• Criteria and/or steps for meeting the goals and objectives.
• A plan for evaluating your child's progress.
• A list of special education and related services that will be beneficial to your child.
• A statement about when services will start and end; who will do them; and how, where, and how often they will be done.
• A transition plan to help you and your child if you will be changing programs or services.

Related Services in Special Education

Assistive technology: services for the child to help use specialized equipment and devices needed for learning
Audiology: hearing testing and helps to make the best use of a child's hearing
Counseling services: provides personal, academic, and career guidance to students (services will vary according to age and individual needs)
Early identification and assessment of disabling conditions: assists families in obtaining a diagnosis of a particular disability
Medial servcies for diagnostic and evaluation purposes: assists families in obtaining such services
Occupational therapy: services to develop the daily self-help skills of a child
Parent counseling and training: provides information on special education and parenting education
Physical therapy: services to help the way a child moves
Psychological services: testing and help with the child's behavior and learning
Recreation servcies: may include physical education and recreational therapy
Speech-language pathology: servcies to help the child's communication
School health services: nursing services to prevent health problems and promote wellness
School social work: provides guidance to children and parents on family and school issues
Transportation: school bus transportation to school-based special education programs, or other assistance with the cost of travel to programs

The information was developed by The Family Conservancy from a variety of professional resources. This is not a standardized measurement tool.