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Explore Special Education

Special Education provides tailored instruction and support services to help students with disabilities succeed academically and socially. Parents play a vital role in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process, which includes evaluation, eligibility determination, and ongoing collaboration with educators to ensure each child's unique needs are met.  Take a closer look at the world of Special Education.
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Child Find - Identifying Your Student's Needs

The Child Find program identifies and supports children from birth to age 21 with developmental delays or disabilities by offering free screenings, evaluations, and special education services to help students succeed.  Find out more about the Child Find process.
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Special Education Programs and Services

We offer comprehensive Special Education programs and services tailored to meet individual student needs, including resource support, related services, preschool, center-based programs, and transition assistance through the Bridges program.  Special Education program details.
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Special Education Contacts

There can be many individuals involved in your student's education success. When you need assistance or have concerns regarding your child's education, it's important to know who to contact to ensure your concerns are addressed promptly and effectively.  Take a closer look at our SPED contacts.
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Individualized Education Plans (IEP) & Section 504

Academy District 20 serves our special education community based on each student’s individual needs as determined by the Individual Education Plan (IEP), not solely their disability category.  More about IEPs and Section 504.
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Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC)

The SEAC strives to improve the educational experience for students with disabilities by working as partners in a collaborative relationship with other parents, guardians, staff, and community members.  More about the council.
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Special Education Family Resources

We support families by providing easy access to helpful tools, timely information, and community connections. Whether you're navigating developmental milestones, looking for local resources, or staying updated on upcoming events, this page is your go-to guide.  Explore our SPED resources.
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Educational Settings and Service Delivery

Learn how an IEP team determines the most appropriate educational setting and service delivery for a student, with a focus on the least restrictive environment. Review the available options and discuss questions about your child’s placement and supports with the IEP team.  Find out more about educational settings and how services are delivered.
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Understanding Your Student's Team

Learn who may support your student through the special education process, what each team member does and who may act as a parent under IDEA. Start with your case manager for questions about your student’s IEP, services or progress, or find current Special Education contacts and guidance.  Read more about the people who may support your student.
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Special Education Family Handbook (Preview)

Take a look at our upcoming digital Special Education Family handbook. This page presents our handbook in a streamlined, easy to access format. Download a dated copy of the handbook using the Download PDF button. Get a translation using the Translate button at the top of the page; the displayed translation can be downloaded as a PDF as well.  Explore our Special Education Family Handbook.

Special Education

Special Education serves both as educators and as advocates for students with special needs. They plan specialized instruction, assess students and manage their individualized education programs (IEPs).

Special Education

Overview
Special Education serves both as educators and as advocates for students with special needs. They plan specialized instruction, assess students and manage their individualized education programs (IEPs).
Phone
(719) 234-1331
Hours
8 a.m. - 4 p.m., Monday - Friday
Location
Education and Administration Center
1110 Chapel Hills Dr.
Colorado Springs, CO 80920

Related Pages

Related Links

Federal Resources
Child Development Milestone Tracker
The Child Development Milestone Tracker published by the CDC.
Office of Civil Rights (OCR) - Section 504
Find out more about Section 504 from the U.S. Department of Education.
U.S. Office of Civil Rights
Equal access to education and educational excellence through vigorous enforcement of civil rights
District Resources
A Guide to Parent Rights in Special Education
This guide outlines key parental rights and responsibilities under Colorado special education law, including consent requirements, evaluation procedures, access to records, dispute resolution options, and protections during disciplinary actions to help families navigate the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
CDE Model Abbreviated School Day Policy
Read the Model Abbreviated School Day Policy from the Colorado Department of Education
Special Education Parent Handbook
View or download the Academy District 20 Special Education Parent Handbook.
State Resources
Child Find Directory
If you are worried about how your child is developing, talk with a professional. A more complete check of your child’s development (including vision and/or hearing) can be arranged for free at your local school district’s Child Find office. For the contact information to your local Child Find office please visit the Child Find Directory.
Colorado Special Education Rules and Regulations
Find out more about Colorado's Special Education Rules and Regulations on the Colorado Department of Education website.