Special Education
Liberty Center Local Schools provides a continuum of special education services and supports to children ages 3 through 21 identified as disabled under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Special education services are provided in accordance with Ohio's Operating Standards for Ohio's Schools Serving Children with Disabilities.
ELIGIBILITY
Eligibility for special education services is a team decision based on a child's individual needs. The district follows a Response to Intervention (RTI) process which focuses on providing high quality interventions while carefully monitoring student progress. If your child is not making progress through RTI, you will be notified by the educational team. Additionally, if you suspect your child has a disability or if you feel s/he needs additional services or interventions, please follow these steps:
- For preschool age students, contact Kris Ritter – 567.444.4800
- For school-aged students, schedule a conference with your child’s teacher for the intent of discussing intervention needs or contact the Principal 419-533-5011
RELATED SERVICES
Based on the child's needs, the following support services can be provided:
- Adaptive Physical Education
- Aide Services
- Audiological Services
- Counseling/Mental Health Services
- Guide Services
- Interpreter Services
- Medical/Nursing Services
- Occupational Therapy Services
- Orientation and Mobility Services
- Physical Therapy Services
- Speech and Language Services
- Transition Services
- Transportation
CHILD FIND
Public schools are required by Federal and State law to evaluate any child from ages birth through 21 suspected to have a disability. Special education services are available through the public schools for children ages 3 through 21 identified with a disability. If you have a child or know of a child you suspect may have a disability under the Individuals with Disabilities Improvement Act or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, please contact Kim Kamelesky at 419-533-4498.
Liberty Center Local Schools' goal is to ensure that all children with disabilities residing within the district, including children with disabilities who are homeless children or are wards of the state, and children with disabilities attending nonpublic schools, regardless of the severity of their disability, and who are in need of special education and related services are identified, located, and evaluated as required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. Children with disabilities from birth through age 2 are provided services through Help Me Grow. Beginning at age 3, services are provided by the Liberty Center Local Schools.
Liberty Center Schools will strive to locate and evaluate all children with disabilities, regardless of their situations, who have significant individual needs and require intensive interventions through special education and related services.
Children who are not identified to receive intensive intervention through special education and related services, but who are performing below grade -level standards, will receive targeted instruction and supportive interventions. These may involve school and/or community based resources. These resources may include health and social services, short- and long-term counseling, case management, juvenile justice, drug and alcohol treatment, shelter, early childhood programs, faith-based resources, truancy programs, social skills programs, school counseling, supplemental services, after-school programs and other summer programs. All intervention is research-based or evidence-based. Preschool is available for students in the 3 to 5-year age range.