Special Education

The Wissahickon School District conducts ongoing child-find activities for the purpose of identifying students who may be in need of special education and related services. If you believe that your school-age child may need special education and related services, you or your child’s teachers can make a request to the Child Study Team (CST) to explore general education supports or classroom modifications. Multi-disciplinary evaluation (MDE) may follow for those not making sufficient progress with CST support.

Parents may also directly request a multi-disciplinary evaluation regardless of whether their child attends public, private or parochial school. Upon receipt of that request, the District will collect information from the child’s current educational setting, the parent, and any private reports, to determine whether the District will issue a Permission to Evaluate or a Notice of Recommended Educational Placement (NOREP) denying the request for the evaluation.

Early Intervention: Please note if a pre-school child is suspected of being eligible for early intervention, evaluation and services are provided through the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit. Information can be obtained by calling (610) 755-9400 and asking for the Early Intervention Department.

If you would like more information about the referral process you may contact your building principal, school counselor or the Special Education Department at 215-619-8000 ext. 1410.

In compliance with State and Federal Law, the Wissahickon School District will provide to each protected handicapped student, without discrimination or cost to the student or family, those related aids, services or accommodations which are needed to provide access for a student to participate in and obtain the benefits of the school program. In order to qualify as a protected handicapped student, the child must be of school age with a physical or mental disability which substantially limits or prohibits participation in or access to an aspect of the school program.

These services for protected handicapped students are distinct from those applicable to all exceptional students enrolled (or seeking enrollment) in special education programs.

For further information on the evaluation procedures and provisions of services to protected handicapped students, parents should contact their building counselor or school principal.

Extended School Year (ESY) services are special education and related services provided to students with disabilities beyond the regular 180-day school year.

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Learn more about the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation — also known as OVR — and how the office’s resources can help your child prepare for employment after high school graduation. If you have questions, contact the Montgomery County Office of Vocational Rehabilitation at 484-250-4340.