Special Education

Summit School District believes that all children can learn.

We provide a variety of special services to address students' individual needs. In compliance with both state and federal laws, special education programs are available for students identified as having one or more disabilities. Summit School District offers a range of special education services to meet the varied needs of our students including speech therapy, occupational and physical therapy, and school psychological services. These services are provided in the form of inclusionary support, collaborative programs, pull out programs, self contained programs and/or day treatment programs. Summit School District strives to match students with programs and services that fit their individual needs and challenge them as learners.

About SSD Special Education

Qualification

How do students qualify for special education services?

Summit School District uses a collaborative team process to help support students who struggle within our schools as part of the District's RtI (Response to Instruction) process. This is an on-going process conducted for all students that reviews student data and ensures all students are making progress on their educational goals. Interventions or extensions are implemented to meet student needs. The team continues to meet to monitor student progress. When students are not making appropriate progress the team, including parents, may discuss moving forward with the special education referral process.

In What Areas Do Students Qualify for Special Education Services?

The state of Colorado recognizes 14 disability categories that qualify a student to receive special education services. Each school has a multi-disciplinary team trained to complete an evaluation.

The evaluation information is then used by the team, including parents, to determine if the child qualifies for special education services in one or more of the disability categories: Autism Spectrum Disorder; Deaf-Blindness; Developmental Delay; Hearing Impairment, including Deafness; Infant/Toddler with a Disability; Intellectual Disability; Multiple Disabilities; Orthopedic Impairment; Other Health Impaired; Serious Emotional Disability; Specific Learning Disability; Speech or Language Impairment; Traumatic Brain Injury; & Visual Impairment, including Blindness.

Committee (SEPC)

Special Education Partnership Committee (SEPC)

The Special Education Partnership Committee is a forum that brings together parents, staff, students and the community with an interest in education and disabilities. The purpose of SEPC is to support the district’s mission and vision through meaningful communication and awareness of special education topics to support students’ with disabilities educational experience in Summit School District. Please view the guiding principles listed below:

SEPC Guiding Principles (English & Spanish)

Parent Resources

My Child is in Special Education. Now What?

Summit School District believes that partnerships with parents is key to student success. If you have any questions regarding your child, please feel free to contact your child's Special Education Teacher, or Principal at any time.