SPECIAL EDUCATION
The Special Education Program at South Side Area School District offers a free and appropriate public education to eligible students, in accordance with state and federal laws. In line with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and guidelines from the Pennsylvania Bureau of Special Education, the District provides specialized instruction for students identified with disabilities.
All schools in the District offer a wide range of general and special education services to support the unique needs of each child. These services are personalized to help every student succeed based on their individual strengths and challenges. Whenever possible, children receive support in their regular school, alongside their peers, in what’s called the “least restrictive environment.” For students with more complex needs—such as those with low-incidence disabilities—services may be provided through specialized programs, including intermediate units, approved private schools, or alternative educational settings.
For specific questions, please contact Ms. Melissa Thomas, Director of Pupil Services at (724) 573-9581, ext. 2612.
Special Education Plan Report
Special Education Plan 2024-2027
Additional Information:
The Procedural Safeguards Notice explains in detail the rights that parents have when their school-age child is referred for or receiving special education services.
The goal of early intervention is to prevent or improve the effects of the child's disability before entry into school. These services may be delivered in a classroom setting, at home or combination of both. The duration of the program, in terms of hours per week, varies according to the individual need of the child and his/her family.
Early Intervention Programs are provided for children ages 3 years to 5 years. The need for early intervention services must be in one of the following areas: physical, sensory, cognitive, language and speech, social-emotional, and self-help. Services must be provided by qualified personnel. The Beaver Valley Intermediate Unit provides early intervention for the children in our school district.
Change in Age Eligibility for Free and Appropriate Public Education
Effective no later than September 5, 2023, all students entitled to Free Appropriate Public Education and all of the rights and procedural safeguards under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Chapter 14 of Title 22 of the Pennsylvania Code may remain enrolled in public school until they turn 22 years of age. This includes students who turned 21 and exited during or after the 2022-2023 school term.
If your child meets this criteria and would like to return to your school district and access educational services until their 22nd birthday, you will need to re-enroll in your resident school district. To re-enroll your student, you should contact the school that the student will attend in the upcoming school term as soon as possible and request re-enrollment. If you have any questions or to discuss the Change in Age Eligibility, please contact Melissa Thomas at (724) 573-9581 ext. 2612.
IDEA B FAQ Responses to Policy Revision of Age of Eligibility
Notice Letter: Change in Age of Eligibility for Free and Appropriate Public Education -- CLICK HERE
PENN Link: Change in Age of Eligibility for Free and Appropriate Public Education -- CLICK HERE
IDEA Part B: Change in Age of Eligibility for Free and Appropriate Public Education -- CLICK HERE
Surrogate Parents
The school district has the responsibility of developing a surrogate parent program for school-age handicapped children residing in the district. The district must see that any handicapped student who is either a ward of the state or whose parent or guardian is unknown or unavailable has a surrogate parent.
The surrogate parent acts in place of the parent in matters concerning the student's educational programs/services. The role of the surrogate parent is voluntary and training is provided regarding the role of a surrogate parent.
Services for School-Age Exceptional Children
The South Side Area School District provides a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) to all eligible students. To qualify as an eligible student, a child must be of school age, require specially designed instruction, and meet the eligibility criteria for one or more of the following physical or mental disabilities, as defined by Pennsylvania State Regulations:
Autism
Deaf-Blindness
Deafness
Emotional Disturbance
Hearing Impairment
Intellectual DisabilityMultiple Disabilities
Orthopedic Impairment
Other Health Impairment
Specific Learning Disability
Speech or Language Impairment
Traumatic Brain Injury
Visual Impairment, including Blindness
The District utilizes a variety of identification procedures to ensure that eligible students receive an appropriate educational program consisting of special education and related services tailored to meet individual needs. These services are provided at no cost to parents/guardians, in compliance with state and federal regulations, and are designed to promote meaningful educational progress and benefit.
Special Education Services and Supports
Services for eligible students include:
Annual development of an Individualized Education Program (IEP)
Bi-annual or tri-annual multi-disciplinary re-evaluation
A full continuum of supports, including Itinerant, Supplemental, or Full-Time Levels of Intervention
The IEP team determines the extent and location of services based on each student’s unique needs, abilities, chronological age, and required level of support.
The District also provides related services, which are supportive in nature and help students benefit from special education. These may include, but are not limited to:
Assistive Technology
Counseling Services
Hearing Support
Audiology ServicesParent/Guardian Consultation and Training
Psychological ServicesPhysical Therapy
Occupational TherapySchool Health Services
Speech and Language Services
Vision Services
Orientation and Mobility Training
Special Transportation
Levels of Special Education Support
Itinerant: Support provided by special education personnel for 20% or less of the school day
Supplemental: Support provided by special education personnel for more than 20% but less than 80% of the school day
Full-Time: Support provided by special education personnel for 80% or more of the school day
Types of Special Education Supports
Autistic Support
Blind/Visually Impaired Support
Deaf/Hard of Hearing Support
Emotional Support
Learning Support
Life Skills Support
Multiple Disabilities SupportPhysical Support
Speech and Language Support
Parents/guardians seeking additional information about special education programs, services, or due process rights are encouraged to contact Melissa Thomas, Director of Pupil Services.