CSD Special Education for Families

In this edition - IEPs v 504s, Help with Early Learners, Parent Workshops, 50 years of IDEA, Cell phones (from last newsletter)

See below for additional information to help -

We are ALWAYS here to help - our goal is the same as yours - to help your child achieve in all aspects of school to the very best of their personal ability. We do this, first and foremost, TOGETHER!

Remember - any question or concern should be addressed at your child's school building - case manager, teachers, building administrator. They are looking to help in any way that they can!

Pennsylvania Parent Guide to Special Education

See:

Pennsylvania Parent Guide to Special Education

For more specific information in Cheltenham School District, please visit: https://www.cheltenham.org/departments/special-education

IEPs vs 504s

Individualized Education Program (IEP) → Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Most legal protections are clearly defined in the law’s statute (the actual written law).
504 Plan → Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. The Rehabilitation Act’s regulations (standards adopted by administrative agencies that govern enforcement) dictate 504 plans. In fact, the U.S. Department is currently working to update these regulations. When those are developed and finalized as a “final rule,” there may be changes to how the law is implemented.

See: IEPs v 504s

Course for Parents!

Families to the MAX foundational courses are available to families, community members, school staff, related service providers, or any combination thereof. These courses embody the Network’s beliefs that every child can achieve their maximum potential in their homes, schools, and communities. Sessions are typically one to two hours, free of charge, can be presented in person or virtually, and provide opportunities to meet and network with families, professionals, and local, regional, and statewide support agency representatives.

PATTAN Parent Assistance

Parent Resources for Early Learning Programs

The MCIU Early Learning programs work with several organizations in the community that provide additional resources and services to families residing in Montgomery County. These agencies provide a wide range of services, products, experiences, and opportunities to qualifying families.

See: https://mciu.org/office-of-early-childhood-services/early-childhood-parent-resources/

Pennsylvania - Chapter 14

It is also important to keep in mind that Chapter 14 of the Pennsylvania Code (Title 22) outlines the state's comprehensive regulations for Special Education Services and Programs, detailing how schools must identify, evaluate, and provide a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) for students with disabilities, ensuring their rights and access to quality education, often mirroring federal laws like the IDEA while adding specific PA requirements. To that end, we must also recognize that IDEA continues to hold strong bipartisan support. “Since its passage 50 years ago, IDEA has opened the doors to a quality education for millions of students with disabilities across America," Senator Van Hollen said. "On IDEA’s anniversary, we honor all those who fought to make IDEA a reality and celebrate the dedicated educators who support students with disabilities in and out of the classroom.

https://thompson.house.gov/media-center/press-releases/thompson-huffman-james-scholten-introduce-bipartisan-resolution

What are students saying about cell phone bans in schools?

Each edition will carry an online resource to review for parents - regardless of a child's ability, there are certain things we can all be reminded of every now and again...just click the button above!

Special Education Alliance of Cheltenham, (SEAC)

SEAC is committed to providing advocacy, support, and education to create a school community in which all children are equally engaged, respected, and academically challenged.

United Parent Group (of Cheltenham)

UPG is an organization comprised of parent representatives from all schools in the Cheltenham School District. We serve as a vehicle to facilitate communication among parents, administration, and the school board.

CSD Special Education for Families