westport public schools special education transition process november 29, 2006
TRANSCRIPT
Westport Public Schools
Special Education Transition Process
November 29, 2006
Presenters
Cynthia Gilchrest – Director of Pupil Services
Robin Marino –Coordinator Preschool
Barbara Beaman-Assistant Principal, SES
Denise Emmerthal – Assistant Principal, BMS
Lorraine DiNapoli –Coordinator, Special Ed. HS
Peggy Bud- Coordinator Private school Special Services
Transition ProcessAll levels
What to expect….
Transitions can produce some level of stress for the student and his family
At each transition level, all parents (whether regular or special education) are participating in the transition process.
Therefore the special education process is integrated into the regular education transition process to make it as seamless as possible, yet comprehensive.
GOAL
To have a successful transition for the student
AND
To provide the parents with the information they need
Birth to Three
Process
Referral is made to the Westport Public Schools at least 90 days prior to the child’s 3rd birthday
PPT is for Birth-3 Transition and Pre-evaluation If indicated, the PPT team designs an evaluation
to determine eligibilityOR
If indicated, the PPT team determines that the child no longer requires the PPT process to continue
Process
Prior to the child’s 3rd birthday Convene a PPT
To review the results of the evaluation To determine eligibility for services
If eligible for services, IEP would be developed
Services would begin on child’s 3rd birthday
Preschool-Kindergarten
Process
November Notify Vice Principals in each building
Identify those IEP’d students who will turn 5 by December 31st of the following school year
February-March Staff from receiving elementary school observes
the students in the preschool Following observations, preschool staff and
elementary school staff meet to discuss student’s needs and how they can be met in the K setting
Process
Preschool staff discusses transition process with parents
April-May A transition PPT is held at the receiving school
with representatives from both staffs and parents Develop the IEP for the up coming school year
Preschool teachers complete the Pre-K profiles and send to building principals
Elementary to Middle School
Process
• November Notify Vice Principals
Identify IEP’d students who are transitioning from 5-6th grade the following year
• January Staff observes the students in the Elementary School on an
as-needed-basis Staff observes middle school classes on an as-needed-basis Middle School staff and Elementary school staff meet to
discuss the students’ needs and how they can be met in Middle School setting
Elementary staff meets with Middle School staff to gain an understanding of the Middle School curriculum
Process
• Elementary staff discusses the transition process with parents
• Middle School Orientation It is important for all parents to attend
Process
May Transition PPTs are held at the receiving school
with representatives from both staffs and parents involved in developing the IEP for the up coming school year.
Middle School to High School
Process
November Notify High School Special Education Coordinator
Identify students who will be transitioning to 9th grade the following school year
January Coordinator
Meets with Vice Principals and some middle school staff to review students’ profiles, current programs, and projected special education and related service needs.
Process
● January to February HS staff observes students on an as needed basis Middle School staff observes selected classes on an as-needed-basis Discussions regarding projected needs are held
March-April Parent meeting is held
To explain special education at the High School and the transition process
Transition PPTs held
June Students visit HS on an as needed bases.
Transitions To and From Outplacements
Out- of- District Placements
Out-of District Coordinator Facilitates the transition process
Participates in the PPTs Facilitates the in-take process Is the link between the parents, the out-placement, and
the district
The process begins when a Planning and Placement Team recommends an out-of-district placement
Transitions From Out-of District Placement
The PPT makes the final determination regarding a student’s transition back to the district
Out-of-District Coordinator Involves the home school is the entire transition process
Home school staff observes student in current placement Home school staff participates in the PPT
● Transitions occur Elementary and middle school levels
When appropriate during the school year High School level
At the beginning of the school year or the beginning of a semester For summer session, at any level, if determined appropriate by the PPT
Post High School Transitions
College Vocational programs World of Work Adult Service Providers
Questions