Pupil Rights & Parents Responsbilities

Welcome to the Pupil Rights & Parents Responsibilities section of our Special Education website, where we emphasize the importance of collaboration between parents, guardians, and our school district in ensuring the best possible educational experience for students with exceptionalities. As advocates for the rights of all children, we are committed to upholding the rights of students with disabilities as outlined by federal and state laws.

In accordance with Child Find, a mandate under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), we actively seek to identify and evaluate students who may require special education services. This process involves locating, identifying, and evaluating children from birth through age 21 who may have a disability that impacts their educational performance. Our dedicated team of professionals works diligently to ensure that no child goes unnoticed and that each child's unique needs are met.

In compliance with state and federal law, notice is hereby given by the Windber Area School District that it conducts ongoing identification activities as a part of its school program for the purpose of identifying students who may be in need of special education and related services. If your child is identified by the District as possibly in need of such services, you will be notified of applicable procedures. Individualized services and programs are available for children who are determined to need specially designed instruction due to the following conditions:

1. Autism/pervasive developmental disorder
2. Blindness or visual impairment
3. Deafness or hearing impairment
4. Deaf-Blindness
5. Orthopedic impairment
6. Development delay
7. Multiple disabilities
8. Traumatic brain injury
9. Other health impairment
10. Emotional disturbance
11. Specific learning disability
12. Speech or language impairment

If you believe that your school-age child may be in need of special education services and related programs, or your child (age 3 to school-age) may be in need of early intervention, screening and evaluation processes designed to assess the need of the child and his/her eligibility are available to you at no cost, upon written request. You may request screening and evaluation at any time, whether or not your child is enrolled in the District’s public school program. Requests for evaluation and screening are to be made in writing to the principal of your child’s school or the Special Education Department at 814-467-4567.

As a school district, we have a responsibility to inform parents and guardians of their rights and provide them with a clear understanding of the special education process. We are committed to promoting open and transparent communication and encourage parents to actively participate in the decision-making process regarding their child's education. It is vital that parents are aware of their rights, including the right to access their child's records, the right to participate in individualized education program (IEP) meetings, and the right to dispute decisions if necessary.

Additionally, we believe that parents play a crucial role as partners in their child's education. We greatly value their insights, experiences, and concerns, as they possess unique knowledge about their child's abilities and needs. Together, we can create an educational plan that is tailored to meet the specific needs and goals of each student.

Through this section of our website, we aim to provide parents and guardians with valuable information about their rights and responsibilities in the special education process. You will find resources, guides, and contact information for our dedicated team who can address any questions or concerns you may have. We are committed to working collaboratively to ensure that every child receives an inclusive and quality education that sets them up for lifelong success.