Special Education

Special Education is referred to as “specially designed instruction, at no cost to the parents, to meet the unique needs of a child with a disability.”  The Palmyra-Eagle School District offers a wide array of special education programming to meet the needs of all students in the least restrictive environment. There are eleven areas of special education that address a broad range of needs such as: autism, intellectual disabilities, speech and language, emotional behavioral disability, specific learning disabilities, hearing impairment, visual impairment, significant developmental delay, orthopedically impaired, traumatic brain injury and other health impairments.

The Palmyra-Eagle School District consistently hires highly qualified instructors and personnel to staff our special education program. Our program offers a variety of educational support services to our students with special needs such as: hearing itinerant services, occupational and physical therapy, speech and language therapy, vision iterant teachers, and orientation and mobility.

Our special education team is proud to offer several unique learning opportunities for students with disabilities.  In preparation for our students to be career and college ready, we offer life skills classes to focus on independent living skills, as well as transition needs for students beginning at age 14.  Often times, with modifications and accommodations, most student needs are met in the regular classroom setting. However, some students have unique needs that require further accommodations and modifications to ensure their learning needs can be met.

A Uniquely Designed Program

Each child has his or her own special set of gifts and talents and because we recognize the individual needs of each of our students, we have designed a program that ignites the minds of students with special needs to awaken learning and explore possibilities. Palmyra-Eagles’ special education program focuses on:

  • Low student-to-teacher-ratio.

  • Strong collaboration between special education and regular education teachers.

  • Specialized programming for students who need assistance outside of the classroom.

  • Assistive technology.

  • Educating students in the least restrictive environment.

  • Partnerships with various community groups/settings to experience real-life lessons.

Annual Notice of Special Education Referral and Evaluation Procedures

Upon request, the Palmyra-Eagle Area School District is required to evaluate a child for eligibility or special education services. A request for evaluation is known as a referral. When the district receives a referral, the district will appoint an Individualized Education Program (IEP) team to determine if the child has a disability and if the child needs special education services. The district locates, identifies, and evaluates all children with disabilities who are enrolled by their parents in private (including religious) schools, elementary schools and secondary schools located in the school district.

A physician, nurse, psychologist, social worker, or administrator of a social agency who reasonably believes a child brought to him or her for services is a child with a disability has a legal duty to refer the child, including a homeless child, to the school district in which the child resides. Before referring the child, the person making the referral must inform the child's parent that the referral will be made.

Others, including parents, who reasonably believe a child is a child with a disability may also refer the child, including a homeless child, to the school district in which the child resides. Referrals must be in writing and include the reason why the person believes the child is a child with a disability. A referral may be made by contacting Kay Leigh Sockrider, Director of Special Education, Palmyra-Eagle Area School District, at 262
495-7101 ext. 2214, or in writing at 123 Burr Oak St. Palmyra, WI 53121.

Child Find

Finding Children With Special Needs

What is Child Find?

Child Find is a continuous process of public awareness activities, screening and evaluation designed to locate, identify, and refer all young children with disabilities and their families who may be in need of early intervention programs or special education as early as possible. In Wisconsin, children from birth to 3 years of age may qualify for early intervention programs, which are operated by county Birth to 3 programs. Children ages 3 to 21 may qualify for special education provided by local school districts.

Why is Child Find necessary?
Screening all children provides parents and professionals with information on whether a child's development is similar to children of the same age. The purpose of Child Find for children ages 3-21 is to ensure that all children with disabilities have access to free, appropriate public education including special education and related services designed to meet their unique needs and prepare them for further education, employment, and independent living.

Who is covered by Child Find?
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires all states to have policies and procedures in effect to ensure that all children who are in need of special education and related services are identified, located, and evaluated. Wisconsin Child Find applies to all children who reside in the State. Screenings and evaluations for special education and related services are free of charge to parents or legal guardians.

Who should I contact if I suspect a child has a disability?
Please contact Beth Jones, Pupil Services Director at 262-495-7101 x 2214.

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