Special Education is provided for children with special needs. The Individual with Disabilities Education Act assures that all students receive a free appropriate public education. Some children and youth need more than a regular education to reach their full potential. Geary County Unified School District is committed to providing programs and services to children with special needs to reach their potential for the future.

Approximately 130 professional staff members are employed by USD 475 for special education. The programs and services offered by USD 475 as outlined in this brochure are tailored to the needs of each individual child. Each child is entitled to a free appropriate public education and the opportunity to succeed.

When a student appears to need special attention, a Student Improvement Team meets to plan interventions. Student Improvement Teams are located in each building and parents are encouraged to be involved.

Students who are referred for a comprehensive evaluation (with parent permission) are tested to determine their educational needs. A team that includes parents and professionals determine that from the evaluation if the student shows eligibility by state guidelines AND a need for special services An INDIVIDUALIZED EDUCATION PLAN (IEP) is written for each student who is placed in special education. This plan determines programs and services the student needs and in what setting they will occur. The regular classroom is always the first consideration.

SPECIAL EDUCATION SCHOOL COMMUNITY NETWORK

Consists of parents and professional members. This group offers advice and recommendations to the local education agency regarding programs and services.

Early Childhood Disability 3-5 years

Severe Multiple Disabilities

Mentally Disabled

Emotional Disturbance

Learning Disabled

Hearing Impaired

Visually Impaired

Other Health Impaired

Speech/Language Pathology

Gifted

Autism

Developmentally Delayed, 6-9 years

Orthopedic Impairment

Traumatic Brain Injury

Related services are services required to assist the student with exceptionalities to benefit from special education. This includes:

Transportation

Speech/Language Pathology

Audiology Services

School Psychological Services

Physical and Occupational Therapy

Social Work Services

Counseling, Rehabilitation Counseling

Orientation and Mobility Services

Medical Services (for diagnostic)

Assistive Technology

Adaptive Physical Education

Transition Services

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Joy is the feeling that comes from the fulfillment of one’s potential.

Fulfillment brings to an individual the feeling that he can cope with his environment; the sense of confidence in himself as a significant, competent, lovable person who is capable of handling situations as they arise, able to use fully his own capacities, and free to express his feelings.

For further information call or visit your child’s school.

If you have questions, address them to:

Geary County USD 475
123 North Eisenhower
Junction City, Kansas 66441
785-717-4000