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Special education services are available in most public schools for students between the ages of 3 and 21. Services are provided to students with a range of special needs, from the most mild to the most severe.

Most special education students attend classes with students not in the special education program. Some special education students attend self-contained special education classes in general education schools, and others attend special education schools in District 75.

You can learn more about special education services by speaking to the school principal or parent coordinator at your child's current school. You can also get more information through the Special Education Hotline.

Learn more about special education.

Get contact information for your child's school to reach the parent coordinator.

Call 311 if you need more help.

Before a student can receive special education and services for the first time, the student must get individual initial evaluation through the Committee on Special Education.

The evaluation helps staff determine educational needs and services the student will be able to receive.

Student with a Disability

A student with a disability means a student who:

  • Has been identified as a person with a mental, physical, or emotional disability
  • Requires special services and programs approved by the City
  • Is still under age 21 at the beginning of the school year (September 1st)
  • Is allowed to attend public schools under the Education Law

Individualized Education Program (IEP)

Special education services are provided to students based on individual needs.

Individualized Education Programs (IEP) are set up to address the student's personal and educational needs that result from the student's disability, to ensure success in the general education curriculum.

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