At Rush County Schools, we believe every student has the potential to learn, grow, and succeed with the right support, opportunities, and partnerships in place. Our Special Education Department is committed to providing individualized, inclusive, and meaningful educational experiences that recognize each student's unique strengths, needs, and abilities.

Our department supports programming and services in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Indiana Article 7 regulations, and all applicable state and federal requirements. We are dedicated to ensuring that eligible students receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment, as determined by the case conference committee.

Through collaboration among students, families, educators, related service providers, and community partners, we develop and implement Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) that promote academic achievement, independence, communication, social-emotional growth, and positive behavioral development. Our dedicated staff work together to ensure students receive the specialized instruction, related services, accommodations, and supports they need to access and participate in their education.

At Rush County Schools, we strive to create a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment where every student is valued, empowered to reach their potential, and prepared for success in school and beyond. We believe that strong partnerships, high expectations, and a shared commitment to student growth help all learners build the skills and confidence needed for a meaningful and successful future.

Rush County Schools is committed to providing individualized services and supports that help students with disabilities access their education, develop independence, and make meaningful progress toward their educational goals. Services are determined by each student's individual needs and the decisions of the Case Conference Committee.

The Case Conference Committee considers the student's educational needs, the impact of identified challenges on participation and progress, and whether specialized therapy expertise is necessary to support the student's educational goals. The team also considers whether needs can be addressed through classroom strategies, accommodations, modifications, or collaboration among school personnel.

Services may change over time as student needs and goals evolve. Service delivery may include:

• Direct services: Staff works directly with the student to address identified goals.

• Consultative services: Staff collaborate with teachers and other staff to support the student's goals and help implement strategies within the school environment.

If your child is between the ages of 2 ½ and 22, attends Rush County Schools, or lives within the Rush County Schools community and you suspect your child may have a disability, we encourage you to contact us for more information. You do not need to have a medical diagnosis to share your concerns or request information about a special education evaluation.

If you have concerns about your child's learning, development, communication, behavior, or educational progress, please contact your child's classroom teacher, school counselor, or building administrator to discuss your concerns and the options available to support your child's needs.

Depending on your child's individual needs, next steps may include interventions through the school's Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) or an evaluation conducted by a multidisciplinary team. Team members may include a school psychologist, speech-language pathologist, general education teacher, special education teacher, occupational therapist, physical therapist, school nurse, counselor, or other qualified professionals, as appropriate.

At Rush County Schools, we value family partnerships and are committed to helping every student access the supports and services they need to learn, grow, and reach their full potential. If you have questions or concerns about your child's development or educational needs, please reach out to your child's school for assistance.

Rush County Schools is committed to identifying, locating, and evaluating all children suspected of having a disability who may need special education and related services. In accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), 20 U.S.C. § 1400 et seq., 34 C.F.R. § 300.111, Indiana Article 7, including 511 IAC 7-40-1, and applicable Section 504 requirements, the district will implement Child Find procedures to ensure that eligible students are identified and evaluated in a timely manner.

Child Find is an ongoing responsibility that applies regardless of a student's academic performance, grade-level advancement, behavior, attendance, existing interventions, or current educational placement. The district will not delay an appropriate educational evaluation because a student is participating in general education interventions, a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), a behavioral intervention, or a Section 504 accommodation plan.

Policy Review: This policy will be reviewed periodically and revised as necessary to maintain compliance with applicable law and Indiana Department of Education requirements.