Special Education

Special education services and supports are provided to students who cannot access their Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) because of the impact of their identified disability.  All students are general education students first. Special education provides supports and services so that students can access the general education curriculum.  The federal law that regulates this is called The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) which was reauthorized in 2004. It ensures that children with disabilities have available to them a free appropriate public education with special education and related services designed to meet their particular needs. 

NEW STUDENT ENROLLMENT GUIDELINES
Elementary / Secondary
   * Parent registers child at BVSD Admissions.
   * Parent contacts home school.
   * School principal notifies special services staff who schedules an IEP meeting.
   * An IEP meeting held at home school with other district staff in attendance as determined.
   * Information is gathered about child's needs in these areas: Social, Academies, Sensory motor, Cognitive, Behavior, Health, Self Care Areas. Any further assessments needed are scheduled or requested from  providers/agencies.
    * Placement is finalized and discussed with parents through the IEP process. A start date is agreed upon.
    * As needed, transportation department is notified of recommended start date. Parent is notified of pick- up/drop-off times, if applicable. 
 
Early Childhood
    * Parent contacts CHILD FIND at 720-561-5078
  * CHILD FIND staff will gather information and work with the parents to develop an appropriate placement plan.  

Updated! Understanding Choice Enrollment for students with an IEP

Boulder Valley School District is committed to creating inclusive school settings for all students. It is expected in most instances that a student with disabilities can be educated in the school he/she would attend if not disabled, and in a general education classroom at least part of the day, with appropriate modifications and accommodations. When it is determined that a student’s needs cannot be met in his/her home school and a more restrictive environment is necessary, BVSD does have a continuum of services to meet those significant needs.

Program Locations

Overview of BVSD Intensive Learning Centers

Video: What is an AIM program?

Boulder Valley School District, programs designed to meet the educational needs of children with autism provide a structured teaching approach to learning. As with any student qualifying for special education services, the Individual Education Plan (IEP) will direct the program. Long term goals for our students with autism include the development of functional skills, communication and independence. Special attention is paid to skills in the following domains: communication, social, academic, daily living, independence, sensory motor, and vocational.
 

Learn more on the Autism program page

The DHoH center program is located at Monarch preK-8 and Monarch High School. Students who access the center program are those identified with a Deaf Hard of Hearing primary special education eligibility that need a sign language interpreter and/or students who need 3 or more hours of direct services a week from the Teacher of the Deaf ToD (1.5 for pre-K or Kindergarten level students).

Learn more on the Deaf and Hard of Hearing program page

The Transitions Program works with students ages 18-21 who have finished four years of high school but require additional time to achieve their IEP identified post-secondary goals.

Learn more about the Transitions Center

The School to Work Alliance Program (SWAP) is a collaborative initiative  between the Colorado Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) and local school districts/Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES), and is supported by the Colorado Department of Education (CDE).

The purpose of SWAP is to assist young adults in making the transition from school to employment, provide successful employment outcomes, increase community linkages, and new patterns of service for young adults within all categories of disabilities.

Learn more about the SWAP 

Children with disabilities often need additional support and services to help them succeed in the classroom. Some students with disabilities only require specialized instruction by a teacher to adapt the curriculum to that child’s needs. Other times, students receive specific related services to support classroom instruction.
 
At BVSD, we offer a variety of such supportive services, which are determined to be necessary by a student’s IEP team. 
 
Many BVSD students receive therapy outside of school. Parents are welcome to submit reports and recommendations from outside service providers.  It can be helpful for the IEP team to discuss the information. BVSD is not required, however, to implement the recommendations from any outside report, since changes to the IEP always should be a team decision that takes into account all available information regarding the student, not just the findings of one specific data source.
 
Therapeutic services provided in the educational setting according to an IEP must be directed toward the achievement of functional tasks required for children to participate and benefit from their education. Therapy provided in a medical setting, such as at a hospital or clinic, tends to focus on specific goals that may not relate directly to educational performance.
BVSD service providers work closely with teachers, school staff, parents and community providers who work with students outside of school. Below are the most common related services at BVSD schools:
 
Audiologist 
The Audiologist provides a wide array of services throughout the district to assist in identifying and serving students who may have hearing impairments as well as assisting facilities with the correct installation and maintenance of classroom acoustic devises and/or FM systems. They may provide in-service training related to hearing impairments and their implication to school personnel, children, and parents. They also work to ensure the proper fit and functioning of hearing aids and other auditory devices, including the calibration of audiometric equipment. 

Audiology Assistant 
The Audiology Assistant works under the supervision of the Audiologists and assists in carrying out district-wide school hearing screenings, assists with sound booth evaluations, and provides clerical support in maintaining audiological records. 

Registered Occupational Therapist (OTR) 
The Occupational Therapist (OTR) is a "related service" provider who supports the student's access to specialized instruction and the general curriculum. Occupational therapists work with students when motor skills interfere with their ability to participate in school and classroom activities when the area of need is not due to lack of instruction. OTRs help students improve specific skills and adapt to classroom demands. Specifically, the OT is concerned with a student's ability to perform in three areas: (1) work productivity within school environments, (2) self-care and (3) play/leisure. An OTR can help a student who has difficulty performing in any of these areas by analyzing and breaking down tasks, developing a new way of doing the task, adapting or modifying the task or environment, and/or practicing elements of the skill with the student. Occupational therapy is provided with a fluid combination of direct and/or indirect service. Direct service may be integrated into a large instructional setting (e.g. classroom, cafeteria, playground, gym), or provided within a smaller instructional environment. Indirect service/consultation may include monitoring student progress and/or recommending accommodations and modifications for targeted students. Occupational therapists work together with school staff and families to identify ways to change, adapt, modify, and use the school environment to optimize overall student performance. OTRs are required to have a valid national registration through NBCOT, a valid state registration through DORA, as well as a Special Services license through CDE. 

Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant (COTA) 
A certified occupational therapy assistant (COTA) provides direct therapy to students while under the supervision of a registered Occupational Therapist. A COTA may assist with screenings and assessments, follow intervention plans, document student performance, assist with clerical duties, and perform maintenance on equipment. A COTA must have an associate's degree from an accredited program and have passed the certification test through NBCOT (National Board of Certified Occupational Therapists). 

Physical Therapist (PT) 
The Physical Therapist (PT) is a "related service" provider who supports the student's access to specialized instruction and the general curriculum. A PT works collaboratively with the IEP team in screening, evaluating, educating staff and families, program planning and intervention. PTs assist in the development of skills to increase the functional independence of the student within the educational environment. PTs may provide direct or indirect services to assist in addressing those issues that significantly limit a student's movement within the school environment or their ability to perform functional activities throughout their school day. PTs are required to have a valid Colorado state license, as well as a Special Services license through CDE. 

School Psychologists and School Social Workers
The BVSD School Psychologists and School Social Workers are a professional group in the district who have extensively worked with both the social-emotional and cognitive aspects of student achievement, and bring a unique skill set to the school environment. School Psychologists and School Social Workers provide integral support to student achievement, emotional/behavioral development, and establish a collaborative culture in buildings. School Psychologists/Social Workers provide essential services to individual students, staff, groups and families within the school, as well as support district-wide initiatives. The following are possible roles that the School Psychologist/School Social Worker may fulfill in their respective schools, contingent upon their allocation and available time at the site:

• Academic/Behavior Support and Intervention
• RtI Support
• Assessment
• Counseling
• Consultation
• Staff Development
• Crisis Prevention
• Systems of Care

Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP)
The Speech Language Pathologist (SLP) provides specialized instruction and consultation to students who require support in communication. An SLP may serve as the student's Case Manager if they are the primary provider of special education services. if the primary disability of the student is Speech-Language Impairment. An SLP must have the appropriate Special Services license through CDE.

Speech-Language Pathology Assistant (SLP-A) 
Speech-Language Pathology Assistants (SLP-A) do not have their own caseload. Rather, they assist the licensed SLP in managing an existing caseload. Under the supervision of an SLP, an SLP-A may: assist with screenings and assessments, follow intervention plans, document student performance, assist with clerical duties, and perform maintenance on equipment. CDE has published Fast Facts that further delineate the roles and responsibilities of an SLP-A.  An SLP-A must have the appropriate background coursework to obtain an SLP-A authorization through CDE.

¡Nuevo! Folleto del IEP para familias de habla hispana

La página web de BVSD tiene acceso a traducción al español, localice la selección de idioma en la parte superior derecha.

BVSD Paquete de bienvenida del SEAC Hemos reunido la información, los recursos, y videos para padres en una sola página.

Entendiendo los Sistemas de Distrito Escolar del Valle de Boulder y el Proceso del Plan Educativo Individualizado (IEP, por sus siglas en inglés)

Paquete de Recursos para Nuevas Familias en los Servicios de Educación Especial

1. Consejos para Desarrollar una Relación Positiva con el Equipo de Educación Especial de su Hijo/a

2. Obtener Ayuda en BVSD 

3. Tecnología de Asistencia BVSD 

Recurso

1. ¿Dónde comienzo? Recursos Generales

2. ¿Dónde comienzo? Recursos Especificos para Discapacidades

3. ¿Dónde comienzo? Las Tres P’s: P2P, PEAK y PEP

4. ¿Dónde comienzo? Recursos para Transición  

5. Lenguaje Respetuoso

6. Elpaso Movement

7. El Grupo Vida    Nesidades con apoyo significativo

Para estudiantes recibiendo servicios en los Centros de Aprendizaje Intensivo  (multi, RISE, AIM, ICAN)

 1. Video para la Inscripción en Imagine: Navegar la Hoja de Ruta de Admisiones

• Formulario para referir a Imagine

• Carta enviada a los Maestros de prescolar/primaria para la inscripción en Imagine! Para solicitar fondos de emergencia y ayuda

 2. Arc@School Escuela

El Arc se fundó en 1950 a partir de un movimiento popular de familias que trabajaban para crear servicios comunitarios para niños y adultos con discapacidades intelectuales y del desarrollo (IDD). Desde su fundación, El Arc ha abogado por que los estudiantes con IDD accedan a servicios y apoyos educativos.

3. Asociación para la vida comunitaria

• Abogados Educacionales Gratuitos

• Grupo de Apoyo Caminando Juntos

• Big 5 Skills: Parent Edition -  Access Code  HGV9-5KGH-ZP3WF
• BVSD Parent Resources Hub 
• Fostering Organization and Independence During the Pandemic - Slide Show
• Fostering Organization and Independence in a Home Learning Environment Video
• How to Teach Wearing a Mask and Social Distancing - Power Point
• How to Teach Wearing a Mask and Social Distancing - Video
• Token Board Power Point  - Token Board Video
• Top 10 for Executive Function with closed captions
• Top 10 Executive Function in Spanish (slides) video to come
• Top 10 Strategies for Successful Home Learning, Take 2 Video
• Visual Schedule Power Point  -  Visual Schedule Video

Frequently Asked Questions
 
1)   My child has a diagnosis from a private provider.  Doesn't that mean he/she should have an IEP?

A diagnosis of any disability does not automatically mean the student requires an IEP to access their public education.  The process is designed to be individualized so we need to determine if the impact of the disability is educationally substantial enough to qualify.  BVSD aligns with the Colorado Department of Education criteria for different disability categories. 
 
2)  The school wants to develop a behavior plan for my child.  What is that?

Any student with a disability that has behaviors that adversely impact their access to education may have a Behavior Support Plan to address the identified behaviors.  The Behavior Plan is created after conducting a Functional Behavior Analysis (FBA).  The goal is to better understand the student's behavior to help them have better access to school, increase their ability to self-regulate and to be sure the adults working with the students are supporting positive behaviors. 
 
3)  My child keeps getting suspended.  Can they do that for a child with an IEP?

Yes.  Any student can be suspended.  A student with and IEP can be suspended for up to 10 days in a school year and the district does not have to provide IEP services while they are suspended.  At or before 10 days, we hold a manifestation meeting to determine if the reasons for suspension are related to the identified disability.  At that meeting, the team may make changes to the IEP, the behavior plan and/or the student's school setting.  Students cannot be expelled if the behaviors leading to suspension(s) are a manifestation of the disability. 
 
4)  My child would benefit from being in a private school, how do I get the district to place him/her there?

Parents have the right to enroll their child in any private school or to homeschool under Colorado education laws.  The district is not responsible for paying for a private school that parents made the choice to attend.  There are times when BVSD does place students at private schools but only after a thorough, documented attempt to provide FAPE (Free and Appropriate Public Education) at a BVSD school.  If the district places a student at a private school, they pay the tuition.
 
5)  What is the best school for my child with a disability in BVSD?

BVSD is an open enrollment district.  This means that parents can apply for our annual lottery to have their student attend a BVSD school outside of their home school.  All BVSD schools have at least a "resource" level of special education supports and staff.  We also have Intensive Learning Centers (ILCs) at some schools which are a more restrictive education setting that requires an IEP team to recommend.  There is no best school.  What is best for your child is a family decision based on where you live, your family values and family priorities along with the open enrollment lottery system. 
 
6)  I want to change my child's school--how do I do that?

Besides the Open Enrollment (OE) system, parents can also request an Administrative Transfer (AT).  An AT is not a way to bypass the OE system.  The request can be made at any time.  The school principal has to have room at the grade-level and be able to provide the IEP services.  Our charter and focus schools usually do not accept AT requests.  The superintendent's office makes the final decision. 
 
7)  What do I do if I think the IEP is not being followed?
 
Parents have the right to request an IEP meeting or a parent-teacher meeting at any time if they have concerns or want to share new information about their child.  Parents should also be receiving regular progress reports (given at the same time as report cards) detailing the progress the student is making on their IEP goals.  Parents should contact the teacher and if needed, the school principal to share their concerns and request evidence of progress. 
 
8)  What is the difference between an accommodation and a modification?
 
An accommodation is something that changes HOW a student does assignments or assessments such as having more time, using fidgets, having a test read to them, using a computer, etc.  The expectations for mastering the content are the same as for students without an IEP.  Universal accommodations can be provided to every student who may need them. Accommodations can be provided through a 504 plan or as part of an IEP. 
 
A modification is a change in WHAT the student is doing.  It could be a simpler version of a test or using text that is at their skill level and not grade level.  Modifications are usually only provided to students who have intellectual or developmental disabilities that prevent them from being ready for grade-level work.
 
9)  My child is in 8th grade and the school wants to complete a transition plan.  What is that?
 
Transition goals are part of the IEP and need to be addressed before the child turn's 15 or the end of the 9th grade year.  Through interest inventories, parent input and student input, the IEP team determines goals needed in three areas:  post-secondary education/training, employment skills and independent living skills.  Students may have goals in 2-3 areas.  The goals help direct the high school course of study so that the student is well on their way to meeting their goals when they graduate or age-out of BVSD services. 
 
10)  Can students with IEPs go to the Career and Technical Education Center?
 
Yes, TEC considers Juniors and Seniors through their unique application process each spring.  Students are considered if they meet the requirements  for the program they are applying to. Criteria include attendance, prerequisites to specific classes, and if a student is on track to graduate. Spaces are offered without consideration of specialized needs, such as an IEP. Once a student is admitted, TEC staff review specialized needs and will request an IEP team meeting to review if there are concerns with offering FAPE in this setting. Students attending TEC will receive their IEP-related specialized instruction and case management at their home high school.

Students with disabilities may apply for admission to any BVSD school using the Choice Enrollment lottery system. However, there are some things to consider because not every school has the capacity to meet the needs of every student with an IEP. Read this guidance about Understanding Choice Enrollment for students with an IEP.