Student Support Services Special Education
Special Education Services
Who Qualifies for Special Education?
To be eligible for special education services under the federal law IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act):
- A documented disability in at least one of the recognized eligibility categories (see list at right)
- The disability creates a need for specially designed instruction that goes beyond typical classroom supports?
Not sure if your child qualifies? That is exactly what the evaluation process is designed to find out. Please reach out, we would rather have the conversation early.
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Communication Disorders
- Deaf-Blindness
- Emotional Disturbance
- Hearing Impairment
- Intellectual Disability
- Orthopedic Impairment
- Other Health Impairments
- Specific Learning Disabilities
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Visual Impairment
-
- A documented disability in at least one of the recognized eligibility categories (see list at right)
- The disability creates a need for specially designed instruction that goes beyond typical classroom supports?
Not sure if your child qualifies? That is exactly what the evaluation process is designed to find out. Please reach out, we would rather have the conversation early.
-
- Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Communication Disorders
- Deaf-Blindness
- Emotional Disturbance
- Hearing Impairment
- Intellectual Disability
- Orthopedic Impairment
- Other Health Impairments
- Specific Learning Disabilities
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Visual Impairment
Services Available
Speech Language Pathology
Support for communication, language development, and articulation.
Occupational and Motor Therapy
Help with fine motor skills, sensory processing, and daily functional tasks.
Resource & Behavioral Support
Individualized plans to support positive behavior and emotional regulation including small group academic instruction.
Assistive Technology
Tools and devices that help students access learning and communicate.
Transition for Students Ages 16-21
Help plan for life after school, including post-secondary education, vocational training, employment, and independent living.
What if My Child Does Not Qualify for an IEP?
Not every child who needs support qualifies for special education under IDEA, and that is okay. There may still be help available.
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 protects students who have a disability that significantly impacts a major life activity (such as learning, reading, concentrating, or walking), even if they do not meet the eligibility criteria for special education under IDEA.
Under Section 504, your child may be eligible for accommodations and modifications within the general education setting, such as extended time on tests, preferential seating, or use of assistive technology.
Astoria School District's Section 504 Coordinator is Travis Roe. Contact him at troe@astoriak12.org to learn more.
IDEA vs. Section 504
- IDEA provides an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) with specialized instruction and related services
- Section 504 provides a 504 Plan with accommodations and modifications in general education
- Both are free to families and both protect your child's right to access education
- Both require parental involvement and offer procedural safeguards
Future Success
Regular attendance instills valuable habits such as punctuality, responsibility, and commitment, which are essential for success in life.
You Have Rights, and We Want You to Know Them
Federal and state law guarantee important rights to parents and guardians of students receiving special education services. These are called Procedural Safeguards, and understanding them empowers you to be your child's best advocate.
Your Key Rights Include:
- The right to receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE) for your child
- The right to participate in all IEP meetings and decisions
- The right to give or withhold consent before evaluations or changes to services begin
- The right to request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) if you disagree with the district's assessment
- The right to request mediation or a due process hearing if you disagree with a decision
- The right to receive all communications in your primary language
Do You Know A Child Who May Need Services?
Oregon and federal law require school districts to locate children with disabilities who are not currently receiving services, even if they are not enrolled in public school.
Astoria School District Child Find Notice
We are seeking to identify any child between birth and age 21 who has a disability and is not currently enrolled in or receiving services from a public school. This includes children who are homeschooled, attending private school, or who have simply not yet been connected to services they may be eligible for.
If you know of a child who may need support, please contact our Special Programs office. All inquiries are welcome and confidential. You do not need to be a parent or guardian to make a referral.
Early Intervention services for children birth through age 3 are coordinated through the Oregon Early Intervention program. We are happy to help connect your family with the right resources.