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Parent Resources

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We know navigating the world of Special Education can be difficult. We are here to help! 

What services does NW BOCES provide?

Which districts does NW BOCES serve?

What is an IEP?

What is a 504?

What is the difference between IEPs and 504 plans?

How can I find out if my child needs or qualifies for services?

Useful Websites

Parent and Child rights in Special Education: Procedural Safeguards Notice

Derechos de los Padres y sus Hijos en la Educacion Especial:Aviso de Garantias de Procedimiento

CDE's Parent Brochure on Forming a Local Special Education Advisory Committee

brightly colored collage of special education terms

Q: What services does NW BOCES provide?

Our special education director and assistant special education director supervise NW BOCES special services providers working in all of the schools in our member school districts, from preschool to 12th grade. Together, our special education team provides the following services:

• Child Find - identification of special education students through early screenings, referrals and evaluations

• Occupational Therapy 

• Physical Therapy 

• School Psychology 

• Speech & Language Pathology 

• Services for low-incidence disabilities, including vision or hearing impairment 

Gifted Education

• Extended School Year Program - summer services for eligible special education students

• Transition - services for eligible young adults with special needs, ages 18-21

 

Q: Which districts does NW BOCES serve?

East Grand School District

Hayden School District

North Park School District

South Routt School District

Steamboat Springs School District

West Grand School District

Q: What is an IEP?

IEP stands for Individual Education Plan, and it is a legal document in which a student’s special educational needs are detailed.  IEPs are designated for children with disabilities from age 3 years through 21 years.  Follow this link to gain a better understanding of the IEP process. If you have questions regarding your child’s IEP, within one of our districts, contact NW BOCES Special Education Director Trish Cook by emailing her at [email protected].

Special Education Resources:

http://www.cde.state.co.us/cdesped-covid19

https://www2.ed.gov/parents/needs/speced/iepguide/index.html#introduction

Q: What is a 504?

Section 504 is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities. Section 504 ensures that the child with a disability has equal access to an education. The child may receive accommodations and modifications. Please visit our Section 504 page for more information or follow this link for a better understanding of how 504 Plans work. Child Find is the program we use to identify students who may qualify for special educational services. If your child is 3 years old or older, you can contact your child's pediatrician or teacher to inquire about obtaining a Child Find referral. If your child is younger than 3 years old, you can contact Horizons for an evaluation.  

Q: What is the difference between IEPs and 504 plans?

IEPs and 504s are similar but different entities. Understood.org does a great job here of comparing the two plans.

Q: How can I find out if my child needs or qualifies for services?

Child Find is the program we use to identify students who may qualify for special educational services. If your child is 3 years old or older, you can contact your child's pediatrician or teacher to inquire about obtaining a Child Find referral. If your child is younger than 3 years old, you can contact Horizons for an evaluation.  

Useful Websites:

CDE's Office of Special Education Page
This site/office is a resource to teachers, administrators, and parents of students with exceptional educational needs due to disability, or learners who are culturally and/or linguistically diverse or have some other special need.

Parents Encouraging Parents (PEP) Conferences 
Family-centered conferences designed to offer support, information, and education to parents and professionals. PEP promotes the partnerships that are essential in supporting and including children with disabilities and their families in all aspects of the school and community. The link above will take you to a page where you can download the application.


Colorado Special Education Advisory Committee (CSEAC) 
A federal and state law mandated committee that includes parent of, and individuals with disabilities, educational service providers, administrators, and representatives from a variety of related agencies.


Council for Exceptional Children: CEC

Professional organization dedicated to improving educational outcomes for individuals with exceptionalities, students with disabilities, and/or the gifted.

National Center for Learning Disabilities
National organization concerned about issues related to students with learning disabilities.

Council for Learning Disabilities
International organization concerned about issues related to students with learning disabilities.

Parent to Parent of Colorado
An organization that connects families of children with disabilities or special health care needs in communities across Colorado. Look at the two brochures under "Where do I Start?" in English and Spanish with a lot of information and phone numbers that Parent to Parent has put together for parents.

Family Leadership Training Institute (FLTI)
Prepares families to become leading advocates for children. The FLTI teaches families, who wish to improve the lifelong health, safety and learning of children, how to become practiced change agents for the next generation.


Rural Assistance Center (RAC)
Health and human services information for rural America.

Special Education Guide
Parents and educators know that children with special needs have gifts and talents—it’s just a matter of unleashing their full potential, and making sure that their parents and teachers have the right information, tools and support to help them. That’s where Special Education Guide comes inWe are your go-to resource for mastering the terminology, procedures and best practices in special education.
 
Yampa Valley Autism Program
Yampa Valley Autism Program provides resources and direct services to individuals and families living with autism or other disorders to cultivate their abilities and maximize quality of life.

Intervention Central
This website offers free tools and resources to help school staff and parents to promote positive classroom behaviors and foster effective learning for all children and youth.

Kids Health 
This website provides an overview on stuttering. The article includes causes, signs, and information about the school years, when to seek help, and what parents can do.

Florida Center for Reading Research (FCRR)
Part of the mission of the FCRR is to disseminate information about research-based practices related to literacy instruction and assessment for children in pre-school through 12th grade. This website has information for teachers, coaches, administrators, parents and researchers.

Oregon Reading First
This website provides general information on the Oregon Reading First initiative as well as specific supports to schools participating in the project. It has valuable information for teachers who want examples of best practices in reading instruction.

Stuttering Foundation
This website provides free online resources, services and support to those who stutter and their families, as well as support for research into the causes of stuttering.

Reading Rockets
Reading Rockets is a national multimedia project offering information and resources on how young kids learn to read, why so many struggle, and how caring adults can help.

Speaking of Speech
An interactive forum for speech/language pathologists and teachers to improve communication skills in our schools by exchanging ideas, techniques, materials and lessons that work; finding out about materials before you buy; seeking and giving advice on therapy and case load management issues; and exploring a myriad of helpful resource links.


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