The information on this page is a brief summary. For complete information, please review Policy 521: Student Disability Nondiscrimination and visit the district's Special Education webpage.

Special Education Services

Stillwater Area Public Schools is committed to providing all students with equitable access to educational opportunities and the supports they need to succeed. The district provides special education services in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and Minnesota law.

Students who qualify for special education services are entitled to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment. Services are provided through an Individualized Education Program (IEP) developed in partnership with parents or guardians.

Section 504 Accommodations

Students with qualifying disabilities who do not require special education services may be eligible for accommodations under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. Section 504 plans are designed to provide students with equal access to educational programs and activities.

Child Find

The district actively identifies, locates, and evaluates children who may have disabilities and may be eligible for special education services. Parents or guardians who have concerns about their child's development or educational progress are encouraged to contact their child's teacher, principal, school counselor, or the district's Special Education Department to discuss a referral for evaluation.

Parent Rights

Parents and guardians of students with disabilities have important rights under federal and Minnesota law, including the right to:

• Participate in evaluation, eligibility, and educational planning meetings.
• Receive prior written notice regarding special education decisions.
• Provide or withhold consent for certain actions.
• Review their child's educational records.
• Receive a copy of the Notice of Procedural Safeguards.
• Access mediation, due process, and other dispute resolution procedures when appropriate.

Parents and guardians will receive the Notice of Procedural Safeguards, including information about mediation, due process, and available legal and advocacy resources, as required under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

Questions

Questions about special education services, Section 504 accommodations, referrals, or parent rights may be directed to your child's school or the district's Special Education Department. Additional information, including the Notice of Procedural Safeguards, is available through the Minnesota Department of Education.