Special education is the specially designed instruction and supports/services designed to meet the unique needs of students who have disabilities. The definition of special education comes from the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The law provides eligible students with disabilities the right to receive special instruction and services that are designed to meet their unique needs resulting from having a disability as well as gain access to the information and skills that other students are learning in the general education curriculum.
Students are found eligible when they meet the IDEA definition of a “child with a disability” in combination with state law and regulations. For more information go to WI DPI: Eligibility Determination
Child Find is a process designed to identify, locate and evaluate individuals (birth through 21 years of age) with disabilities who may need special education services. Upon request, the Clinton Community School District is required to evaluate a child to determine if they are eligible for special education services. Anyone who reasonably believes a child brought to him or her for services including a physician (see Special Education and the Physician below), nurse, psychologist, or social worker should refer the child to the school district in which they reside. Please contact Jenny Loveless, Director of Student Services at jeloveless@clintonwis.com or 608:676.2211 (Ext. 1600) or the building Principal, Psychologist to obtain additional information regarding the referral process, possible screening opportunities, and questions regarding special education eligibility.
Click here to make a Child Find Request or Special Education Referral.
Click here to view the Child Find Confidentiality.
Early identification can prevent failure and frustration. Special attention to teaching and learning strategies may help individuals overcome barriers to learning. If a disability is not found, other resources may be available to help.
Referrals must be in writing and include the reason why the person believes the child is a child with a disability. A referral may be made by contacting Mitchalena Eden, Administrative Assistant to Student Services at 608-676-0992 X 1601 or email her at mieden@clintonwis.com or by contacting our school psychologist, Jessica Harteau at 608-676-0992 X 1602 or email her at jeharteau@clintonwis.com. To make a referral please click this link.
The parent(s) or legal guardian will be contacted by Clinton Community School District's Special Ed Department. An IEP Team will be established, based on the type and characteristics of the disability which is suspected. The IEP Team, with the help of parent(s), will decide if an evaluation and/or testing is needed to determine if there is a disability. If an evaluation is needed, the parent(s), along with this group of knowledgeable staff, will meet to discuss the outcome of the evaluation, special education eligibility, and whether the student is in need of a variety of service options.
