Special Education
Chagrin Falls Schools provides an educational experience empowering students to maximize their potential through personalized learning. The special education program supports this work by individualizing the education for all students identified with disabilities. We believe in maintaining high expectations for students and staff, alike, while providing a holistic education. Students, staff, and families share the responsibility for student success and we encourage and celebrate perseverance through challenges.
Special education is guided by federal and state requirements for students ages 3 - 21. Federal requirements are grounded in legislation referred to as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) with additional support in Ohio from the Ohio Operating Standards for the Education of Children with Disabilities (Ohio’s Operating Standards). Special education is specially designed instruction, support, and services provided to students with identified disabilities requiring individually designed instructional programs to meet unique learning needs. Special education supports student success by providing a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE).
The Chagrin Falls Schools is responsible for implementing chapter 3301-51 of the Ohio Administrative Code, referenced as Child Find, to ensure that children residing in Ohio, children who are homeless or wards of the state, and children attending non-public schools between the ages of 3 and 21 are provided FAPE. If a child is suspected as having a disability, the Chagrin Falls Schools has policies and processes in place to locate, identify, and evaluate students in accordance with federal and state laws. Children ages 3 to 5 may have documented deficits in one or more of the following areas: communication, vision, hearing, motor skills, social/emotional functioning, self-help, and/or cognitive skills. School-aged children and young adults may have one or more of the following disabilities that adversely affect his/her progress in the general education curriculum/setting: multiple disabilities, deaf-blindness, visual impairments, speech/language impairments, orthopedic impairments, emotional disturbance, cognitive disabilities, specific learning disabilities, autism, traumatic brain injury, or other health impairments.
If you know of a child or young adult for whom you suspect a disability, please contact Mrs. Molly Edwards (children ages 3 - grade 6) or Ms. Amelia Bendo (children and young adults grade 7 - age 21).
Molly Edwards molly.edwards@chagrinschools.org 440-247-5500 ext. 4016
Amelia Bendo amelia.bendo@chagrinschools.org 440-247-5500 ext. 4392
I would like to speak with you personally if you have any concerns regarding your child's special education services. I may be reached at the contact information listed below and I look forward to speaking with you.
Mrs. Jennifer Bencko
Jennifer.Bencko@chagrinschools.org
(440) 247 5500 x4014
Forms
Positive Behavioral Intervention & Supports for All Students
Chagrin Falls Exempted Village Schools Board Policy Regarding Special Education
Ohio Enforcement of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
Ohio Enforcement of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
The Ohio Department of Education soon will make changes in the way it monitors, enforces and publicizes Ohio school districts’ compliance with the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, which ensures a free, appropriate public education to s
September 2009 Whose IDEA is This? Update
A new federal regulation to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA) provides that a parent may revoke consent for special education and related services for his or her child with a disability. The document, Whose IDEA Is