ParentStudentHandbook2017-18 AUG.17

Social Worker. For pupil’s ages three to five, the Child Study Team includes a Speech–Language Specialist. The Child Study Team, at the time of referral, may consult with a physician, other professional staff members or consultants deemed appropriate by the team and parents in the identification, classification, and development of an individual educational program (I.E.P). The building Principal and members of the staff communicate with parents at the pre–referral levels through the I&RS Committee. A referral can be initiated by instructional, administrative, and other professional staff of Berlin Community School, the parent, and agencies concerned with the welfare of the student. Referrals to the Child Study Team require formal parental notification and written consent; electronic mail is not accepted. Upon receipt of a referral, the parent participates in the evaluation planning/identification meeting.

Prior to any decision regarding referral to the Child Study Team, interventions shall be provided in the general education setting to students exhibiting academic difficulties. A direct referral may be made to the Child Study Team if the educational problem is such that its critical nature can be supported and documented.

Berlin Community School provides a full continuum of programs and related services in order to meet the needs of pupils with educational disabilities. For grades kindergarten through eight, programs include in class and pull out programs. Berlin Community School also maintains two programs for preschool aged children as well as special classes for elementary aged students. In addition, related services including speech–language, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and counseling are available on a pull–out basis individually or in a small group, integrated within class lessons, or on a consultative basis, in accordance with students’ IEPs. All programs encourage parent involvement and provide frequent opportunities for parents to participate in classroom activities and events. General Education Preschool Class (PM) This program is designed for student’s 3–5 years of age. This class consists of approximately 16 children; approximately 6 students who have been determined to be eligible for special educational services and 10 students who are developing typically and who were chosen through a district–wide lottery system. The goal in the classroom is to provide academic instruction that prepares students for kindergarten. Preschool Disabilities Classroom (AM): This program is designed for student’s 3–5 years of age that have been identified as having an educational disability whose nature and severity is such that education in the student’s general education class with the use of appropriate supplementary aids and services cannot be achieved satisfactorily. The class size is eight students with a teacher and a classroom assistant and can increase to 12 students with two classroom assistants required. Parents can request a consultation with the Child Study Team or submit a written request for an evaluation to determine eligibility for services. Please contact Mrs. Devonn Lindsay, Supervisor of Special Services, at 856–768–7904 ext. 211 for more information. Information is also available on how and where to obtain services for developmentally delayed children, birth to three years of age by calling Project Child Find at 1–800–322–8174. Special Education Parent Advisory Group (SEPAG) The purpose of this group is to provide input to the district on issues concerning students with disabilities. Our group consists of parents, teachers, staff, administrators, and community members all working together toward a common objective: to enhance and improve the educational experience of students with disabilities at BCS.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

Section 504 is an Act, which prohibits discrimination against persons with a handicap in any program receiving federal financial assistance. The Act defines a person with a handicap as anyone who: has a mental or physical impairment which substantially limits one or more major life activities (such as caring for one’s self, performing manual tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, learning, and working), has a record of such impairment, or is regarded as having such impairment.

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