Special Education an Related Services

Unified School District 509, South Haven Schools, strives to provide for the educational needs of all students.  Federal and state legislation requires each local board of education in Kansas to provide special education and related services to exceptional children.  In Kansas, exceptional children include children with disabilities including the handicapped and intellectually gifted. 

These services are provided for our students through membership in the Sumner County Educational Services, Interlocal District 619.  Through membership in the cooperative we join four other districts in providing appropriate education to all our exceptional students. 

Acquisition of these services through a cooperative is necessary due to reasons of small incidence of exceptional students, economy in providing the services, and the ability to serve the varying needs of these students. 

Infants and Toddlers
USD 509 does not directly provide services for infants and toddlers.  However there is a close relationship with the agency that works with the special needs of these children.  Information can be obtained through the elementary office. 

Screenings and Referrals
Free developmental screenings for children from birth to 5 years of age are available throughout the school term.  Parents can contact the special education office or the elementary office to schedule an appointment. 

Parent Referrals
Parents can make referrals to determine if special education or related agencies are needed.  Parents should contact their child's principal, counselor, or teacher to begin the referral process. 

Confidentiality of Records
All Special education records are treated as confidential.  The records are available to parents plus staff that have a need to know, such as the child's teachers, principal, or counselor.  Records will usually be sent to a receiving school without permission, otherwise parental permission must be obtained in order to release records to other agencies, professionals, or individuals.  Records are kept in a locked file in the special education office. 

For information regarding these programs, services, and procedures for referral for comprehensive evaluation for the exceptional child, please contact your Board of Education office at 620-892-5215, or Virginia Swecker, Director of the Sumner County Educational Services Interlocal, District 619, 107 West Lincoln, Suite 200, P.O. Box 427, Wellington, KS  67152, Phone 620-326-8935.