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Annual Public Notice: Special Education, Gifted Education, and Services for Homeless, Migrant, and Protected Handicapped Students

To Parents in the Twenty School Districts Served by the Northeastern Educational Intermediate Unit (NEIU)

El contenido de esta nota se ha escrito en inglés. Si usted no entiende esta nota, debe contactar el distrito escolar (vea los contactos) y solicitar una explicación.
This notice has been written in English. If you do not understand it, please contact your school district (see contact information below) for assistance.

Notice to Parents

In accordance with state and federal regulations, school districts, intermediate units, and charter schools must provide annual public notice about their responsibilities to identify children who may need special services.

These services may be available under:

  • Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Chapter 14
  • Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 / Chapter 15
  • 22 PA Code Chapter 16 (for gifted students)
  • McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act
  • Education for Homeless Youth, 42 U.S.C.A. §11431

This notice explains how we find and support students who may qualify for special education, gifted education, or services for homeless, migrant, or protected handicapped students. It also explains how we protect student confidentiality.

Children between ages 3 and 21 may be eligible, including students in public, private, or charter schools, youth in detention or residential facilities, children experiencing homelessness or in foster care, and migrant students.

If you believe your child may need special education services, contact your school district or the person listed at the end of this notice.

Preschool Children (Ages 3–5)

Children younger than school age may qualify for services if they have a developmental delay, defined as:

  • A score on a standardized test that is 25% below their age level in one or more developmental areas
  • A score 1.5 standard deviations below the mean in areas like cognitive, communication, physical, social/emotional, or self-help skills

For more information, contact the NEIU Early Intervention Supervisor at (570) 343-6200.

Evaluation Process

Parents may request an evaluation through their school district. For preschool children (ages 3–5), please send a written request to:

NEIU Early Intervention Supervisor
NEIU Learning Campus – Dunmore
185 E. Pine Street
Dunmore, PA 18512

Parental Consent

Written consent is required before schools can evaluate or provide special education services. Schools may proceed with a reevaluation if parents do not respond to a written request, but they may not override a refusal for initial placement.

To learn more, visit www.PaTTAN.net and review the Procedural Safeguards Notice. Parents who disagree with the evaluation may request an independent educational evaluation (IEE) at public expense.

Program Development

If a child is found eligible, a team of professionals and the parents will develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP). Written consent is required before services begin, and parents may revoke consent at any time.

Confidentiality

Student records, including special education documents, are kept confidential. Parental (or student) consent is required before releasing personally identifiable information, except as allowed under FERPA. In Pennsylvania, the age of majority is 21.

Only authorized personnel may access student records, and schools must maintain a public list of those with access. The Uninterrupted Scholars Act allows schools to share student records with child welfare agencies responsible for the student’s care.

To learn more, refer to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA).

Summary

This notice provides an overview of available services, evaluation procedures, parental rights, and confidentiality policies. To request an evaluation or for more information, contact your local school district. For preschool evaluations, contact the NEIU at (570) 343-6200.

For services within Susquehanna Community School District, contact:

Elizabeth Shivock, Special Education Supervisor
(570) 853-4921 ext. 1335