Schuylkill Intermediate Unit and Member School Districts

Annual Public Notice of Special Education Identification

Programs and Services and Gifted Education

Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29, in conjunction with the twelve member school districts is required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004, (IDEIA) to provide a free appropriate public education for children, ages 3 through 21, with disabilities.  Children with disabilities are those that are in need of special education and related services as a result of one or more of the following physical and/or mental disabilities:

*  Autism                                                                    *  Orthopedic Impairment

*  Deaf-Blindness                                                    *  Other Health Impairment

*  Emotional Disturbance                                       *  Specific Learning Disability

*  Hearing Impairment including Deafness        *  Speech/Language Impairment

*  Mental Retardation                                              *  Traumatic Brain Injury

*  Multiple Disabilities                                              *  Visual Impairment including                                                                                                          Blindness

*  Developmental Delay – (For children age 3 through the age of admission to a                                                                        school age program)

Screening and Evaluation Process

The Schuylkill Intermediate Unit and all member school districts have procedures in place to help identify children who may be eligible for special education and related services.  The process includes both screening procedures for potential speech, hearing and vision needs as well as parent/guardian or teacher referrals for a comprehensive educational evaluation.  If the parent/guardian believes their child may be eligible for special education and or related services they may request a screening and evaluation at any time at no cost to them.  Any such request should be directed to the school district special education contact person listed at the conclusion of this announcement.  All requests for preschool age children should be directed to the Schuylkill Intermediate Unit Preschool Department also listed at the conclusion of this announcement.

Services for Protected Handicapped Students

In accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 all school districts must provide services to and may not discriminate against “protected handicapped students.”  A “protected handicapped student” is a student who has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, has a record of such an  impairment or is regarded as having such an impairment.  A “protected handicapped student” may qualify for special services to ensure equal opportunity to participate in the school program including extracurricular activities to the maximum extent appropriate for the individual student.

Gifted Education Services

All member school districts within Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29 offer specially designed instruction for students that have been evaluated and identified as “mentally gifted.”  These services include specially designed programs or support services that are not ordinarily provided in the regular education program.  School districts use multiple criteria, including IQ score, to identify students with gifted ability who may require specially designed instruction.

Early Intervention Services

Young children who may experience developmental delays, including physical and/or mental disabilities, and their families are eligible for early intervention services provided by Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29.  The services include screening and evaluation procedures, educational programs and related services, as well as information for families including consultation and referral to community agencies, if appropriate, at no cost to the family.  In order to obtain additional information please contact the Early Intervention Administrator listed at the conclusion of this notice.

Services for infants and toddlers from birth to age 2 are the responsibility of the Department of Public Welfare.  In order to obtain additional information please contact Services Access and Management Inc. at (570) 621-2700.

Notice of Rights under Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974

Schuylkill Intermediate Unit 29 and member school are required to protect the confidentiality of personally identifiable information of students in accordance with federal law and state and federal rules and regulations.  The rights and privacy of students include the following:

• The right to inspect and review the student’s educational records within forty-five days of the date that the educational agency receives a request for access to the records.

> A written request, identifying the record(s) to be inspected, should be submitted to the building administrator of the school where the student attends.

• The right to request that the student’s educational records be amended if the parent/guardian believes the records to be inaccurate or violates the privacy or other rights of the student.

>A written request identifying what record(s) are seeking to be amended and why should be submitted to the building administrator of the school where the student attends.

> The school will notify the parent/guardian, in writing, of the decision and advise them of their right to a hearing regarding their request for amendment of the record(s).

• The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s educational records, except to the extent that federal and state law authorize disclosure without consent.

• The right to file a complaint with the U. S. Department of Education at the Family Policy Compliance Office concerning alleged failures by the educational agency to comply with the requirements of FERPA.

Questions with regard to programs and services for eligible students with special needs as well as thought to be exceptional students may be addressed to School District and/or Intermediate Unit 29 personnel as follows:

Blue Mountain SD                                                   Saint Clair ASD

Mr. Frank Musitano                                                 Ms. Kendy Hinkel

(570) 366-0515                                                         (570) 429-2716

Mahanoy ASD                                                          Schuylkill Haven ASD

Ms. Brandy Paul                                                      Ms. Rene’ Reese

(570) 773-3443                                                         (570) 385-6726

Minersville ASD                                                       Shenandoah Valley SD

Ms. Mary Ann Wynosky                                          Mr. Phillip Andras

(570) 544-1400                                                         (570)462-1957

North Schuylkill SD                                                 Tamaqua ASD

Ms. Eleanor Sanayka                                              Mrs. Ruth Gardiner

(570) 874-0495                                                         (570) 668-2566

Pine Grove ASD                                                      Tri-Valley SD

Ms. Susan Tesno                                                     Ms. Joy Header

(570) 345-2731                                                         (570) 682-9909

Pottsville ASD                                                          Williams Valley SD

Ms. Kelly Brennan                                                   Mr. Brian Lacey

(570) 621-2985                                                         (717) 647-2181

Lori Rauenzahn

(570) 621-7683                                                        

Schuylkill IU 29                                                        Schuylkill IU 29

School Age Programs                                             Pre-School Programs

Mrs. Debra Arnold                                                    Ms. Patricia Weber

(570) 544-9131, Ext. 1211                                      (570) 544-9131

8/12/2011 DA/jz