Special Services (Special Education) Questions

Preschool Screening is a developmental screening for children across the district, ages 2 years 10 months through five years of age (not in kindergarten). This screening process engages children in a variety of activities to provide information regarding their development in the following areas: speech and language, motor skills, cognitive skills, behavior, and vision and hearing. Screening takes place one day a month from September through April. All parents are encouraged to bring their child to Preschool Screening. Appointments for Preschool Screening can be made by calling 630 719-5800. The process takes approximately 90 minutes. Parents are required to attend with their child.

If you suspect that your child has a disability, you should contact your child’s teacher. The teacher will then consult with a member of the Intervention and Referral Team (IRT). The IRT acts as a problem-solving unit for students identified as at risk and/or in need of special education services. The team is comprised of a building administrator, psychologist, social worker, school nurse, speech and language pathologist, special education resource teacher, and reading specialist. The IRT members will consult with your child’s classroom teacher to identify possible interventions that may enable your child to realize more school success.  After interventions have been tried and progress with those interventions monitored, if it is felt that the child is not making expected process they may be referred for a full and individualized evaluation to consider eligibility for special education supports and services.

Upon your child’s referral for a Full and Individualized Evaluation, the Intervention and Referral Team (IRT) members will convene to discuss what additional information is needed to make a determination if your child is or is not eligible for special education services. The team will consider several developmental domains in order to identify what assessments they will pursue to make this important decision regarding your child. The developmental domains considered include: health, vision/hearing, social emotional, general intelligence, academic performance, communication, and motor abilities.

An IRT member will meet with you to explain the domains discussed and share the intended assessment plan. At that time you may indicate if there is additional information you desire the IRT to attain in their assessment process. The team must secure your written consent for the Full and Individualized Evaluation prior to beginning the evaluation. Your signature initiates a 60 – day time line during which the team must complete the evaluation and convene an Eligibility Review/Individualized Education Plan conference. This conference will consider the findings and determine if your child is eligible for special education services. The conference will be scheduled at a mutually agreed upon time, ten days prior to its taking place.

Upon completion of a Full and Individual Evaluation or Reevaluation, the team will convene an Eligibility Review/Individualized Education Plan conference. This conference will be scheduled at a mutually agreed upon time, ten days prior to its taking place. All members of the Intervention and Referral Team (IRT) who participated in your child’s evaluation and your child’s classroom teacher or a representative from the middle school instructional team will attend the meeting.

At this time, each member of the team will review his or her assessment findings. This information will be documented both prior to and during the meeting. The team will then consider the criteria for special education and determine if your child is eligible for special education services. Also, during this meeting, a list of educational needs will be identified for your child. The team (with your input) will discuss the identified needs and determine which (if any) require specialized instruction. If your child has been determined eligible, those needs requiring special education will be considered in developing an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) for your child. Team members (with your input) will identify annual goals and objectives to be focused on in your child’s instructional program. These goals will be considered to determine service provisions for your child. If your child is determined as not eligible for special education services, the team will discuss the identified educational needs and determine how those needs will be addressed in the regular education setting. All of this information will be compiled into a report and shared with you at the close of the meeting.

At each Individualized Education Plan (IEP) Conference and Annual Review Conference, you will be given the opportunity to share your perspective regarding your child’s strengths and any concerns you may have regarding your child’s performance and/or educational program. In order to prepare for this conference, you may wish to jot down those thoughts in advance. In addition, you may wish to note any questions that you wish to address with the team and identify the goals and objectives that you wish to have considered for your child’s IEP.

Students in special education in Downers Grove Grade School District 58 have a student file at their school of residence. You may request to review your child’s file at any time. Typically, an appointment is scheduled so that a staff member can assist you in locating information in your child’s file.

You are free to request an Individualized Education Program (IEP) conference at any time. You may do this by contacting the building administrator or your child’s special education teacher/service provider. The team will convene at least once a year to review your child’s progress and determine if any changes are warranted to his or her educational program.

The team will complete a Full and Individualized Evaluation every three years or sooner if felt necessary by the team and you, but, usually, not more than once per year. Your consent will be obtained prior to the initiation of this evaluation.

Students with disabilities who do not qualify for an individualized education program under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act may qualify for services of Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 if the student (i) has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, (ii) has a record of a physical or mental impairment, or (iii) is regarded as having a physical or mental impairment. Questions about the identification, assessment and placement of students should be directed to Jessica Stewart, assistant superintendent for special services, at 630-719-5824.