IDEA Part B (34 CFR 300.165, 34 CFR 300.201) requires that the LEA annually provide an opportunity for public comment, including individuals with disabilities and parents of children with disabilities, regarding the LEA's use of IDEA Part B funds. The district plans to use the IDEA Part B Special Education Funds in a variety of ways to further support students within the Edgewood City School District.  As allowable under the requirements and provisions allowed under IDEA part B to support students with disabilities ages 3-21, the Edgewood City School District may use these funds within the following areas: instruction, promising practices, services to children with disabilities (ages 3-5), professional development, transportation, equipment, instructional supplies and materials, and assistive technology.  You are invited to attend an informational session on September 30, 2024 from 5:30 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. prior to the September Board of Education Meeting.  You may also provide comments to Mrs. Lindsay White, Director of Special Services, via email at lindsay.white@edgewoodschools.net.

The Edgewood City School District is committed to identifying, locating, evaluating, and providing services for children with disabilities within the district who require special education or related services, in line with Rule 3301-51-03 of the Operating Standards for Ohio’s Schools Serving Children with Disabilities. If you know of a child up to 21 years old who might have a disability but isn’t currently receiving services through our district, please reach out to Edgewood's Director of Special Services at 513-867-3400 ext: 1037.

Eligibility for special education services is determined by a qualified team of professionals who assess the presence of a disability, the need for specially designed instruction or related services, and the impact on the child’s education, as detailed in the Evaluation Team Report (ETR). This evaluation team includes parents or guardians, general education teachers, an intervention specialist, a district representative, and a school psychologist. Additionally, support staff such as speech and language pathologists, occupational therapists, or physical therapists may be involved. Students may qualify under various federally defined disability categories, including Autism, Intellectual Disability, Deaf-Blindness, Deafness, Developmental Delay (for preschool only), Emotional Disturbance, Hearing Impairment, Multiple Disabilities, Orthopedic Impairment, Other Health Impairment, Specific Learning Disability, Speech or Language Impairment, Traumatic Brain Injury, and Visual Impairment including blindness.

If a student is found eligible for special education services, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is created to address the goals and objectives identified in the ETR. The IEP outlines the services needed to achieve these goals and ensures they are provided. An Intervention Specialist will be assigned to manage the implementation of the IEP and will be a valuable resource for understanding your child’s needs and progress. They coordinate services and accommodations throughout the school day.

The IEP also specifies necessary accommodations, details how the student will participate in state and district assessments, and includes transition services for students aged 14 or older. The IEP is reviewed at least annually to update goals and services, but meetings can be scheduled at any time to review and adjust the IEP.

If you have a child or know of a child you feel may be delayed in any of the areas listed above and is younger than 3 years old, referrals should be made through the Help Me Grow Program at (513)785-6850.