Special Education Services
Welcome to Special Education Services
The Special Services Department supports programs for special education. The Soap Lake School District serves more than 90 students, ranging from birth to 21 years old, who have been identified as eligible for special education services.Access to all special education services is through a formal referral and evaluation team assessment process. Once an evaluation team determines that a student has a disability that has an adverse educational impact and that the student requires specially designed instruction, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is developed to meet the needs of the individual student.
Child Find
Each child grows and develops at his or her own rate. However, you may have concerns about your child's learning or development. If you suspect that your child may have a disability and might need special education services, you may contact the following:
Early Intervention: Birth to Three
Early Intervention is a partnership between families and early childhood professionals and supports the growth, development, and learning of children birth to three years of age with developmental delays or disabilities. If you have a concern about your child's development and they are between the ages of birth and three, contact: Early Childhood Intervention
Janelle Bersch
(509) 664-8781
For more information about Early Learning in Washington State go to:
The Washington State Department of Early Learning www.del.wa.gov/development/esit
Early Support for Infants and Toddlers www.del.wa.gov/development/esit
The State Division of Developmental Disabilities www.dshs.wa.giov/ddd
Preschool Child Find Program: Ages 3-5
The Early Childhood Development Team provides a free developmental screening and/or special education evaluation for all children ages three to five years suspected of having a developmental delay or disability.
If you would like to set up a Child Find screening for your 3-5 year old child, please contact Sheila Klokkevold- [email protected] or (509) 246-1323
School-Age Program: Kindergarten age through 21 years (All children entering kindergarten must be five years old by August 31)
If your child is currently enrolled in Soap Lake School District, please discuss your concerns with your child's teacher and/or principal. Explain that you wish to refer your child for a special education evaluation.
What happens next?
After Special Services receives your referral, a team member will call you back as soon as possible (within 25 school days) to discuss your concerns.
If needed, a developmental screening or assessment appointment will be scheduled. These Child Find services are provided at no cost to families. If your child qualifies for special education, you will be invited to participate in the development of an Individual Education Program.
Child Find activities are extended to students who are homeschooled or attending private elementary or secondary schools located within the Soap Lake School District boundaries.
If your family is living in a temporary situation, you may contact the district where you are currently staying for a screening.
Soap Lake School District is responsible for locating, evaluating, and identifying children, ages birth through 21, located in the district boundaries, who are suspected of having a disability and may be in need of special education and related services, regardless of the severity of their disability. Students do not need to be enrolled in public school to receive Child Find services.
To refer a student of concern please contact Sheila Klokkevold- [email protected] or (509) 246-1323
Child Find Services provided free of charge to children, ages birth through 21, include;
- child development information
- developmental screenings
- special education eligibility assessments
Find more information regarding Child Find by visiting the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI). http://www.k12.wa.us/SpecialEd/Families/Referral.aspx
Special Education Director- Kandice Hansen