ABOUT SPECIAL SERVICES

The Special Services Department is responsible for the evaluation and instruction of students with disabilities.  When a parent or teacher identifies a student as having educational difficulties, and the interventions recommended by the Intervention and Referral Services (IR&S) and have not been successful, the student may be referred to the Child Study Team for an evaluation. The Child Study Team, which consists of a School Psychologist, Learning Disabilities Teacher-Consultant, School Social Worker, and when necessary a Speech and Language Specialist, will discuss with the parent whether an evaluation is warranted, and if so, they will develop a plan to determine the nature and scope of the evaluations. 

Each school operates a Child Study Team which supports students who may experience academic or behavior challenges and require intervention through an array of general education services and supports. General and special education staff meet on a regular basis to review student progress in relation to interventions and accommodations implemented. Teachers and parents can refer students to the Child Study Team and are encouraged to explore this option through their school based IR&S meetings prior to a referral for a special education intervention. Referrals should be forwarded to the IR&S Committee in each building.

 If, after the evaluations are completed a student is determined to have a disability, and that disability makes it necessary for the student to receive special education and/or related services in order to be successful in school, an individual educational program (IEP) will be developed for the student, and this program will be reviewed annually. In order to meet the educational needs of these students, the Garfield School District offers a range of specialized programs including self contained special education classes, Resource support and replacement classes, in class support, and out of class support. Related services, including Speech/Language therapy, Occupational therapy, Physical therapy, and counseling, are provided when a student’s disability requires them in order for the student to benefit from the educational program. All special education classes/programs are taught by certified teachers and are offered in the least restrictive environment.