Special Education
Special Education at CCS
Crosslake Community Schools provides special education services that support students with disabilities. Services are based on each student’s individual needs written within the IEP. Services may include: specialized instruction, accommodations, related services and ongoing support.
Direct instruction service minutes that are written into the IEP are provided by each student's special education case manager. Crosslake Community Schools is a member of the Paul Bunyan Education Cooperative which provides additional specialized services when needed, including occupational therapy, physical therapy, psychology, assistive technology, audiology, autism services, vision and mobility support, and other related services.
-
If you have concerns about your student’s academic, behavioral or developmental progress, the best place to start is with your student’s teacher and learning coach to dentify specific areas of concern and putting targeted interventions in place. These interventions are documented and monitored over time so the team can determine what is helping your student. CCS typically uses an intervention period of approximately six weeks.
If the interventions are successful, the school may continue using the supports that are helping your student.
If your student continues to struggle despite the interventions, the student’s team reviews the information collected and determines appropriate next steps, which may include a special education evaluation.
-
A special education evaluation is a comprehensive process used to determine whether a student has a disability and, if so, whether the student meets the eligibility criteria for special education services and supports.
If a parents/guardian has questions about this process and how to go about a referral, contact Gena Jacobson, District Special Education Manager, at gjacobson@crosslakekids.org.
When a request for an evaluation is received, Crosslake Community Schools (CCS) follows applicable state and federal special education requirements to review the concerns, gather information, and determine the appropriate next steps. A request for an evaluation does not automatically mean that an evaluation will be conducted. The school must follow the required referral and evaluation process, which may include reviewing existing information and implementing and documenting interventions before determining whether a formal evaluation is warranted.
The school will communicate with the parent/guardian throughout the process and will follow all applicable legal requirements and procedural safeguards.
-
Crosslake Community Schools is committed to finding, evaluating, and serving every student who may have a disability and need special education or related services. This includes students in our in-person PreK–8 program and our statewide online K–12 program. It also includes students who are highly mobile, experiencing homelessness, or in foster care.
Signs a child may need extra support include ongoing trouble with learning, reading, writing, or math; speech or language; hearing or vision; attention, behavior, or social-emotional skills; movement or coordination; or health needs that affect learning.
If you have a concern, please reach out. You can ask for an evaluation at any time. Evaluations are free to families, and nothing happens without your written permission. Talking with us does not automatically mean your child will receive special education. It means we'll work with you to figure out what your child needs.
Contact: Gena Jacobson, gjacobson@crosslakekids.org
Children birth to age 3: Contact Help Me Grow by visiting their website or calling 1-866-693-4769.
Children ages 3 to 5 not yet in Kindergarten: Contact us if your child attends our PreK program, or contact your resident school district.
Students not enrolled at CCS (including private school or homeschooled students): Contact your resident school district, or the district where the private school is located.Crosslake Community Schools does not discriminate on the basis of disability. Information shared with us is kept confidential under federal and state privacy laws.
