Special Education
The Williams Valley District Special Education Department strives to meet the needs of all learners using research-based instructional strategies with the goal of maximizing student involvement in the regular education setting and ensuring successful outcomes after graduation. The district provides the following programs (K-12):
- Learning Support
- Life Skills Support
- Emotional Support
- Autistic Support
- Deaf or Hearing Impaired Support
- Speech and Language Support
- Occupational Therapy Support
- Gifted Support
The district also participates in a consortium with neighboring school districts and IU29 to provide additional program options.
Please contact Joellyse Hartz, Director of Special Student Services, with any questions about special education programs via [email protected] or at 717-647-2167.
Age of Eligibility Policy Revision
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania ensures that all children with disabilities ages 3 years through 21 years residing in Pennsylvania have the right to a FAPE, including children with disabilities who have been suspended or expelled from school.
August 30, 2023- PDE has revised its guidance pertaining to INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES EDUCATION ACT PART B POLICIES AND PROCEDURES UNDER 34 CFR §§ 300.101—300.176 as follows: www.education.pa.gov/Documents/IDEAB.pdf
The commonwealth shall make FAPE available to a child with a disability eligible under IDEA until the student turns 22. Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, a child eligible under IDEA who attains the age of twenty-one (21) years may remain enrolled in their resident district free of charge until their 22nd birthday.
UPDATE - May 16, 2024 - IN THE COMMONWEALTH COURT OF PENNSYLVANIA (No. 409 M.D. 2023) - The Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania has invalidated the policy requiring the education of students with disabilities through age 22. (See Decision and Order – Age 22 Eligibility Policy Revision document in the Important Notices tab)
Your Special Education Team
Special Education Teachers: Providing instruction and support to your child in both academic, physical, and behavioral instruction
Related Services: Providing support with functional skills (speech, occupational therapy, physical therapy, hearing, nursing, transportation, vision services) that directly impact your child's education
Educational and Behavioral Consultants: Provide knowledge of behavioral and academic supports to staff to enhance academic, social, and behavioral instruction
Psychologists: Provide services that assist with the identification of students with disabilities and collaborate with staff to provide support academically, emotionally, and socially for students
Paraprofessionals: An instructional paraprofessional is a school employee who works under the direction of a certificated staff member to provide support and assistance with instructional programs and services.