special education

Who to Contact

Name Position Phone Email
Ann Jones-Almlie Director of Special Education 583-5177 aalmlie@cloverpark.k12.wa.us
Merry Mitchell Secretary to the Director 583-5177 mmitchel@cloverpark.k12.wa.us
Tom Betterbed Supervisor of Special Education 583-5170 tbetterb@cloverpark.k12.wa.us
Sunday Ferris Supervisor of Special Education 583-5170 sferris@cloverpark.k12.wa.us
Audra Walters Supervisor of Special Education 583-5170 awalters@cloverpark.k12.wa.us
Sara Woodward Supervisor of Special Education 583-5170 swoodwar@cloverpark.k12.wa.us
Wanda Rodriguez Clerk/Technician 583-5170 wrodrigu@cloverpark.k12.wa.us
Susan Thompkins Technical Assistant, Records 583-5181 sthomp@cloverpark.k12.wa.us
Dusty Burleson Clerk/Technician 583-5170 dburleso@cloverpark.k12.wa.us

Child find

Child find is the process for locating, evaluating and identifying any children from birth to 21 years of age residing in the district (or non-resident children attending private school located within the district) who are in need of special education and related services. A team of professionals will review existing information and conduct screenings in the following development areas: cognitive, communication, physical, social or emotional and adaptive. Following the scheduled screening, a determination will be made regarding whether the child should be further evaluated for special education services. If you or someone you know suspects a child of having a disability, an appointment to attend a Child find screening can be made by calling 583-5180.

Records Requests

To order copies of special education records, please contact 253-583-5181. Fax number is 253-583-5188.

Special Education Programs and Services

The CPSD provides a free appropriate public education for eligible special education students as provided for in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Clover Park School District serves students with disabilities from ages 3 to 21 and offers a full continuum of placement options. Parents, students, and staff should work through their Individualized Education Program Team to determine the appropriate educational program for the child.

Please contact 253-583-5170 or 253-583-5180 for access to these policies and procedures.

Section 504

Special Education can assist you with accommodation plans and other supports for students with disabilities. Procedures and forms are available from the Special Education office.

Special Education Resources

For a more comprehensive list of resources available in Pierce County and Washington State, please contact the Pierce County Parent Coalition for Developmental Disabilities at 253-564-0707 and ask for a free copy of their most current “Resource Guide.”

The Arc of Washington State

http://www.arcwa.org

Services and programs for people with developmental disabilities, such as, autism, cerebral palsy, mental retardation, epilepsy and related neurological disorders that occur before age 18.

Autism Society of Tacoma

http://www.autismsocietyofwa.org/asw-tacoma/

The mission of the Autism Society of Tacoma is to promote lifelong access and opportunity for all individuals within the autism spectrum, and their families, to be fully participating, included members of their community. Education, advocacy, public awareness efforts and the promotions of research form the cornerstone of AST's activities.

Child Reach

http://www.co.pierce.wa.us/PC/Abtus/ourorg/comsvcs/CoAction/html/chreach.htm

Provides free developmental screenings for children ages birth to three.

Council for Exceptional Children

http://www.cec.sped.org

International professional organization dedicated to improving educational outcomes for individuals with exceptionalities, students with disabilities and/or the gifted.

National Information Center for Children and Youth with Disabilities (NICHCY)

http://www.nichcy.org

The national information and referral center provides information on disabilities and disability-related issues for families, educators, and other professionals. NICHCY’s special focus is children and youth (birth to age 22).

Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction

http://www.k12.wa.us

The state agency charged with overseeing K-12 education in Washington.

PAVE, Parents Are Vital in Education

http://www.washingtonpave.org

PAVE, a parent organization providing support, advocacy, training and information resources to empower families and individuals
with disabilities.

Puget Sound Education Service District (PSESD)

http://www.psesd.org

PSESD is one of nine educational regional agencies serving school districts and state-approved private schools in Washington State. ESDs function primarily as support agencies and deliver educational services that can be more efficiently or economically performed regionally.

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