Services for Exceptional Students

The Department of Exceptional Student Services continually strives for excellence and innovation in developing programs and providing services to our students with special needs. One way in which excellence is evidenced is by the highly professional staff we employ.  These individuals are dedicated to insuring the successful learning of students with exceptional needs at all levels and  continually strive to upgrade their own skills through District staff development programs.

Innovation is encouraged and supported by this department as indicated by the number and quality of pilot programs that are underway at any given time. These programs are initiated by staff members who have the vision, conviction and commitment to make such programs a reality.

If you are a resident of the Aurora Public Schools, and you have a child with special needs, please know of our commitment to meeting your child’s educational needs. If you have specific questions after reading this material, we welcome your inquiry.

MISSION AND GOALS

The Aurora Public Schools is committed to developing life-long learners who value themselves, contribute to their community and succeed in a changing world.

Toward this end, the Department of Exceptional Student Services provides full educational opportunities to students who are identified as disabled according to state and federal statute, and is committed to providing special education services in the least restrictive, most productive environment possible.  Dedicated to the premise that disabled students are students primarily and disabled only secondarily, the department facilitates:

·          The development of an Individualized Education Program (IEP) for each student which is implemented and integrated as closely as possible with the general education, in order to enhance the student's involvement and progress in the same general curriculum as for non-disabled students.

·          The development and application of curricular modifications to provide functional learning experiences as necessary to build social and vocational independence in the student.

·          The selection and development of an instructional support staff committed to the philosophy that all students can learn and that learning is the most important purpose of schooling.

·          The involvement and ongoing communication with parents, which fosters a climate of mutual support essential to the provision of an appropriate and comprehensive instructional program for the student.

GENERAL INFORMATION ABOUT SPECIAL EDUCATION

The Department of Exceptional Student Services serves approximately 12% of the District’s population.  The eligibility of students for special education services is based on the needs of the individual student, and for such students, a full range of services (consultive, itinerant, resource and full time) is available.

Each school offers basic special education and related services to eligible students.  More intensive services are available in some schools   located throughout the District for students who require more than supplementary aids and services. When a student cannot be educated successfully in his/her neighborhood school, placements may be made in available programs that are close to the neighborhood school.

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Special Education services are provided to students who are from 3 to 21 years of age and meet specific criteria for one or more of the disabilities listed below. Eligibility is determined through a comprehensive assessment process and a meeting of professional educators and parents in which the assessments and student’s needs are thoroughly considered.

RELATED SERVICES

The department offers the following "related services" which support exceptional students in achieving success in the educational setting. Services are generally provided through consultation and direct small group instruction where needed.

SOME OF THE AVAILABLE  PROGRAMS and SERVICES

Affective Needs Classes

Special education instruction is offered to small groups of students who have significant emotional, behavioral and social needs.  The staff focuses on providing core academic instructions within a context of behavior intervention, emotional support and social skill development.

Alternative Center

The Alternative Center is a separate school offering  (a) a partial day instructional program to middle and high school students who have been expelled, (b) students placed for intervention/evaluation by IEP teams due to serious behavior problems, or (c) students placed in an Interim Alternative Educational Setting (IAES). Students receive an individualized academic program and are able to earn credit toward graduation.

Autism Services

Special education services are offered to small groups of students who fall within the autism spectrum. Staff focus on providing core academic instruction within a context of behavior intervention, language development, emotional support and social skill development.  Specialized treatment and support is provided in the areas of academic, communication, social skills and life skills.

Child Find

A multi-disciplinary team provides assessments for children (ages 0-21) who attend private schools, or are not enrolled in public school.

Early Childhood Education (Pre-School)

A continuum of special educational services is provided to preschool students ages 3-5 years with disabilities at various locations throughout the District.  Children are served through consultation, small group instruction or in fully integrated early childhood classroom.

Functional Academic Classes

Full day special education services are offered to eligible students needing an adjusted academic curriculum with a focus on functionality in the student's environment.

Hearing Disability Services

Special education services are provided to students who are deaf or have significant hearing impairments.  Services focus on hearing and communication needs. A full array of services is available both locally and regionally.

Home/Hospital Instruction

Home or hospital instruction is available for students at any level who are unable to attend school for three or more weeks due to an identified health condition. It is not intended to replicate the student's school program, but rather to provide "maintenance" instruction.  Students must meet specific eligibility requirements.

Life Skills Classes

Students with significant Developmental Disabilities or Multiple Disabilities are offered a functional curriculum with emphasis placed on self-help, communication, motor skills, vocation and recreation, with specific application in the home, community and work place. 

Moderate Needs Services

The majority of our students with disabilities receive special education services in their neighborhood school.  These services may be provided within the general classroom or in learning groups outside of the general classroom.  Some schools offer cooperative learning classes or co-op classes where a general educator and a special educator team teach a subject area in an integrated setting.  At the elementary level, students with moderate cognitive disabilities/SLIC are also served at at their home school through a moderate needs/cross categorical teacher.

Transition  Services

Transition planning and services prepare the student to leave the routine of school and enter the adult community.  Individual needs are considered and supported in looking at choices for careers, living arrangements and social life. All special education students from the ages of 14 until graduation or age 21 have the transition service components within their IEP.

Vocational Assessment/Training 

The Alternative Cooperative Education Program (ACE) is designed to continue vocational services to the student outside of the classroom.  Services include career assessment and planning, specialized classes, job shadowing experiences, on the job training, and job placement.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Can my neighborhood school provide the special education services my child needs?

The neighborhood school offers special education services to all students who are identified as having "moderate needs." Other specialized programs are strategically located throughout the District. If the neighborhood school in which you reside does not offer the specialized program your child needs, the District will provide transportation to the next closest location.

2.  What do I need to do to transfer my child into special education when coming from another school district?

Students with disabilities identified in other districts who enroll in the Aurora Public Schools are entitled to special education services as soon as their special needs are identified. When new students are enrolled, it is important for teachers to know the students' needs and to have a copy of the Individual Educational Plan (IEP) from the previous district. If you do not have the IEP, a Direct Placement IEP will be made until such time the IEP is obtained, or a new assessment is completed.

3.  What is the process for getting my child into special education?

A teacher, parent or other school personnel may make an initial referral when the student exhibits such unique needs that regular school personnel need more information or assistance in meeting those needs. If you, the parent, have serious concerns about your child's school adjustment or performance and suspect he/she may have an educational disability, discuss the matter with your child's teacher, a counselor, or any member of the special education team. Once a referral has been made, the special education team has 45 school days to complete a comprehensive assessment, hold an initial IEP staffing and begin services if your child is found to be eligible.

4. What can I do to help my child learn in school?

Whether your child meets the eligibility for special education services or not, it is vital for you, as parents, to be informed, involved and to work closely with the school staff. Through such cooperative efforts your child has the greatest opportunity to be successful in the school setting. The parent is an important team member in special education, not only in participating in the IEP development and other meetings, but also in following through with homework assignments and other skill-building exercises designed to help your child.

5. Who can I call to get information or assistance?

Any questions or concerns you may have may be directed to your child's teacher, the special education consultant assigned to your school or to our parent liaison.  The Colorado Special Services Unit in the Colorado Department of Education also has staff available to answer questions, deal with concerns and assist parents in obtaining special education services.  

Colorado Department of Education

Special Education Services Unit

210 East Colfax Ave.

Denver, CO 80203

303/866-6694
 

Aurora Public Schools - Office of Exceptional Student Services
15751 East 1st Avenue  Aurora, Colorado 80011
Phone: 303-340-0510  Fax: 303-326-1285  TDD: 303-326-1585
This page last updated on July 19, 2007

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