Special Education

Special Education Services and Programs

CCCS is required by the IDEA '04 to provide a free appropriate public education to school age children with disabilities who need special education and related services. School age children with disabilities who need special education and related services are identified as eligible for special education if they need specially designed instruction and have one of more of the following physical or mental disabilities:

• Autism
• Deaf/Blindness
• Deafness
• Speech and Language Impairment
• Emotional Disturbance
• Hearing Impairment
• Intellectual Disability
• Multiple Disabilities
• Orthopedic Impairment
• Other Health Impairment
• Specific Learning Disability
• Traumatic Brain Injury
• Visual Impairment, including Blindness Screening

Each educational agency is responsible for establishing and implementing procedures to identify, locate, and evaluate school-aged students who may be eligible for special education services. As part of this process, schools conduct a variety of screening activities, which may include reviewing educational and health records, report cards, and enrollment information, as well as conducting hearing, vision, motor, speech, and language screenings.

Hearing screenings are conducted at a minimum in kindergarten and grades 1 through 3, while vision screenings are provided at every grade level. These screenings help ensure that students receive the support and services they may need to be successful in school.

Unless otherwise announced, screening activities take place on an ongoing basis throughout the school year. Screenings are generally conducted at Chester Community Charter School (CCCS), although alternative arrangements may be made when necessary to best meet a student's needs.

Understanding Special Education Evaluations

If school screenings or classroom observations suggest that your child may need additional support, Chester Community Charter School (CCCS) will ask for your permission to complete a more detailed evaluation.

This evaluation helps determine:

• If your child has a disability that affects learning.
• What supports or services may help your child succeed in school.

The evaluation is completed by a team that may include teachers, specialists, and you—the parent or guardian. Everyone works together to better understand your child's strengths and needs.

After the evaluation is finished, the team prepares a written report explaining the results and whether your child qualifies for special education services. If services are recommended, the report will outline the types of support your child may need.

Parents have the right to request an evaluation at any time if they believe their child may need special education services. Requests should be made in writing to the school's Special Education Contact. If you make the request verbally, the school will provide a form to help start the process.

Parents also have the right to request an independent educational evaluation (IEE). Upon request, CCCS can provide information about available evaluators. In some cases, an independent evaluation may be provided at no cost to the family.

At CCCS, we are committed to working in partnership with families to ensure every student receives the support they need to learn, grow, and be successful.

Educational Placement

After your child’s evaluation is completed, a team will meet to review the results and decide whether your child qualifies for special education services. This team includes you, your child’s teachers, and other school staff who know your child and can help determine the support they may need. No single test is used to make this decision.

If your child qualifies for special education, the team will create an Individualized Education Program (IEP). An IEP is a written plan that outlines:

• Your child’s strengths and needs
• Learning goals for the year
• Special services and supports your child will receive
• Any accommodations that may help your child succeed in school

The IEP is reviewed at least once a year and can be updated whenever needed.

If the team determines that your child does not qualify for special education services, the school may still recommend supports or strategies to help your child be successful in the classroom.

CCCS is committed to providing support in the least restrictive environment, which means students with disabilities learn alongside their peers as much as possible while receiving the services they need.

We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and reach their full potential, and we value partnering with families every step of the way.

Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

Chester Community Charter School (CCCS) is committed to protecting the privacy of student records in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

What Are Education Records?

Education records are documents maintained by the school that contain information about a student. These records may include:

• Student and family contact information
• Attendance records
• Grades and report cards
• Assessment results
• Special education records
• Health information
• Other educational records maintained by the school

Parent Rights Under FERPA

Parents and guardians have the right to:

• Review their child's educational records by submitting a written request to the school.
• Request copies of records. Reasonable copying fees may apply.
• Ask for corrections if they believe information in a record is inaccurate or misleading.
• Give or withhold consent before most personal information is shared with others.
• Request information about the types of records maintained by the school and who has access to them.
• File a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education if they believe their FERPA rights have been violated.

Directory Information

The school may designate certain information as "directory information," such as:

• Student name
• Photograph
• Grade level
• Participation in school activities and sports
• Honors and awards received
• Dates of attendance

Parents may request in writing that this information not be released.

Transfer of Records

If a student transfers to another school district, CCCS may share educational records with the new school as permitted by law.

Record Confidentiality

CCCS safeguards student information and provides access only to authorized individuals who have a legitimate educational need to review the records. School employees receive training on confidentiality requirements and the protection of student information.

For questions about student records, privacy rights, or special education services, please contact the school's Special Education Department or school administration.

This parent-friendly summary is intended to provide a clear overview of your rights. Complete details regarding Section 504 protections and FERPA rights are available upon request.

Alternative Education for Disruptive Youth (AEDY)

If you are in need to file a complaint in regards to AEDY, you may complete the form below (available via the link and at the in-take meeting) and submit it to Lisa Bellamy or Michelle Reardon, or call (610) 447-0400 and request to speak with or Special Education Department.

• CCCS AEDY Local Complaint Procedures and Form (English)
• CCCS AEDY Local Complaint Procedures and Form (Español)

 Communication and Language Support

CCCS is committed to ensuring that all families can understand their rights and their child’s educational services. This notice is written in clear, easy-to-understand language. If you have questions or need additional explanation, please contact the school's Special Education Department.

Interpreter services are available for families who speak a language other than English. For parents or guardians who are deaf, blind, or have other communication needs, CCCS will provide information in an accessible format, such as sign language, Braille, translated materials, or oral communication, based on the family's preferred method of communication.

Our goal is to ensure that all families have equal access to information and are able to fully participate in their child's education.