SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES

What is special education? Special Education is a range of services and supports that are provided to students with disabilities who are eligible, in order to ensure that they receive a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE). As a public charter school, North Lakes Academy must follow all state and federal laws related to providing special education. In order to be eligible for services, students must meet criteria set forth by the State of Minnesota and the Federal Government and show a need for specialized instruction through a comprehensive evaluation conducted by the school. The criteria essentially show that the student has a disability and the disability adversely impacts the student’s achievement at school.

What does special education look like at NLA? Specially designed instruction and related services are provided to meet the unique needs of a child identified with a disability through an Individualized Education Program (IEP) plan. We provide these services through small group instruction, one-on-one service, indirect services, and direct services to support student needs. Indirect services include collaboration between the classroom teacher and special education staff, or across the members of the special education team. For students with disabilities who require related services to benefit from specially designed instruction, North Lakes Academy offers a range of special education related services, including, but not limited to: Speech and Language Services, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Audiological Services, School Psychology Services, Autism Specialist, Early Childhood Specialist, Traumatic Brain Injury Specialist, Developmental Adaptive Physical Education, and Physical/Health Disabilities. Some of these services are provided through agencies with which NLA contracts.

What should I do If I have concerns (as a parent)? North Lakes Academy prides itself on collaboration with families. If you have a concern with your student you should reach out to your child’s teacher, who can provide you with the most recent information about how your child is functioning in the classroom. Parents are also welcome to reach out to their child’s building leads, who can help review data to help determine appropriate programming to meet your students needs.

Parental rights in special education At least one time per year, North Lakes Academy must provide parents with a written summary of their rights regarding their child who is receiving special education services. These rights are established in state and federal law, and are called Procedural Safeguards. You can access a copy of these rights by requesting them from Todd Nesvold, Special Education Coordinator. An online version of the Procedural Safeguards in a variety of languages can be found below. In addition, the PACER center provides advocacy services, training, and a wide range of resources for parents. This may be an especially helpful resource for families seeking a broad understanding of the special education process.

What happens at NLA when teachers have concerns about students? North Lakes Academy teachers and administration periodically meet to discuss students with academic or social/emotional, or behavioral concerns. Once those concerns have been identified, the team reviews data about the student’s present levels of performance, strengths, and areas of need, and determines ways to intervene to address the concerns. The team selects someone to communicate with parents about the intervention plan and get their input. The team incorporates parent input and implements the plan with the student. After a minimum of six weeks, the team reviews the student's progress, and adjusts accordingly.

Medical Assistance Billing Schools are required by law to conduct Third Party Billing procedures for eligible services. This means that NLA must bill insurance for medical services provided to a child who receives special education, as part of the child’s IEP. In accordance with this law, North Lakes Academy seeks parent consent to bill for students who are eligible for Medical Assistance and receive qualifying services. Billable services at North Lakes Academy include: occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech therapy, evaluations completed by school psychologist, special transportation, and school social work services. It is standard procedure for North Lakes Academy to ask for written consent to conduct this billing from all parents of children who receive special education upon initial enrollment, regardless of the services and MA eligibility of the student. In the case that North Lakes Academy conducts third party billing for your child, this will have zero impact on your benefits or deductible from Medical Assistance or private insurance. The revenue helps NLA to fund the excess costs of providing special education and related services.

Total Special Education System (TSES) manual Minnesota Rule 3525.1100 requires schools to share a document called the Total Special Education System (TSES) manual which includes a summary of our policies and procedures related to special education services. It can be found below in the quick links.

Restrictive Procedures In the case of an emergency, North Lakes Academy may use a restrictive procedure. Emergency is defined as a situation where immediate intervention is needed to maximize safety and minimize harm. A restrictive procedure would never be used in circumstances such as a child who does not respond to a task or request and instead places his or her head on a desk or hides under a desk or table; a child who does not respond to a staff person’s request unless failing to respond would result in physical injury to the child or other individual. Restrictive procedures must not be used to punish or otherwise discipline a child. Physical holds will only be used by staff who are trained in the techniques consistent with Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI). CPI training emphasizes the use of de-escalation techniques to avoid the use of physical restraint whenever possible. This is consistent with the practices and principles of North Lakes Academy. A full explanation of the processes that will be used at North Lakes Academy in relation to Restrictive Procedures can be found below in the quick links.

Special Education Advisory Committee (SEAC) A SEAC (pronounced “seek”) is an acronym for Special Education Advisory Committee, which is a group that provides input on special education issues to its local school district. Its purpose is to advise and advocate, not to decide policy. Minnesota law (M.S. 125A.24) requires each school district in the state to have a SEAC although it does not specify how the groups should be organized or what duties they should perform. All parents of a child receiving special education at NLA are invited to be part of the SEAC and/or attend the SEAC meeting. North Lakes Academy SEAC meets once a year. Parents will be notified about meeting times via North Lakes Academy’s weekly email newsletters. North Lakes Academy SEAC is for all parents/families/guardian(s) of students who either have an IEP, a 504 plan or are interested in a discussion to seek information and/or resources regarding these. Also included on the committee is district special education staff. By sharing their unique perspective of what it is like to use these services, parents can help the district to be more effective. As a result, outcomes for children with disabilities should improve.

Why might I want to participate in SEAC? Parents give many reasons for joining a SEAC, including these: I may be able to help other families and children with disabilities in my school district. I can share what I’ve learned since my child began his education. I can support the school professionals in my district. I will be a good role model for my child. I feel good when I contribute to this community. I will learn information and skills that may help me work more effectively with my school district. I will meet others with similar goals, both parents and school professionals. I may build positive relationships with others in my district. I will become more knowledgeable about special education. By sharing my unique perspective and insights as a parent, I may help the school district work more effectively with families and improve outcomes for children.

Section 504 Plan Students with a physical or mental health condition that limits a major life function and impacts their ability to access their education may qualify for a 504 Plan. A 504 plan is a legal document governed by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (34 C.F.R. Part 104). As a recipient of federal funds, school districts are required to follow Section 504. Additional/separate funding is not available for services in this category. Districts pay for these services out of their general funding. The plan is implemented by general education staff, and generally includes classroom accommodations needed by the student. The Minnesota Department of Education page for Section 504 is below in the quick links. If you have questions about your child’s 504 plan or are interested in learning more about how a 504 plan might be needed for your child, please contact: K-6 Campus 504 Coordinator Cory Lushanko clushanko@northlakesacademy.org 651-982-2773 7-12 Campus 504 Coordinator Karen Kloer kkloer@northlakesacademy.org 651-982-2688

Special Education Contact Information

If you have concerns about your child’s education, and your child is NOT receiving special education, contact your child’s teacher.

If your concerns persist after speaking with the teacher, contact the principal or building lead.

If your child is already receiving special education and you have concerns, contact your child’s special education teacher/case manager.

If your concerns persist, please contact the special education officials listed below, in order, starting with the Coordinator.

Todd Nesvold

Special Education Coordinator

tnesvold@northlakesacademy.org

651-442-4574

Kori Ryan

Director of Special Education

kryan@indigoed.org