Mona Shores Public Schools is proud of the programs and services that are provided to meet the needs of students with disabilities. Parents are an important member of the educational Child Study team that helps to determine the appropriate programs and services for their student. Staff is committed to helping you become a partner. This handbook is one of the resources developed to help you, as a parent, enter into a partnership by providing information and answers regarding special education programs and services.

Rules and guidelines for special education are not constant. This handbook is a tool to help with basic information and assist you in understanding information about programs and services within the district. Parents will always have additional information available at meetings, conferences and in the Procedural Safeguards provided to parents at all special education meetings. Additional information is also available upon request.

In Michigan, programs and services are available for identified handicapped students from birth to age 26. Special Education provides specifically designed instruction, at no cost to parents, to meet unique educational needs of students who are found eligible under one of the areas of disability recognized under The Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education. Programs and services include classroom instruction, consultation, ancillary support, and adaptive supplies and materials designed to meet the identified educational goals of students.

Mona Shores Public Schools offers a full continuum of services to identified students. A vast majority of students receive educational support in their home school with assistance from a teacher consultant, or other ancillary service provider. There are special education services available at all district’s schools. Students who require more support than is available at their neighborhood school may attend a program classroom at designated schools within the district or at our regional center program, Wesley School. All placement and programming decisions are made at the Individual Education Planning Child Study team meeting. Mona Shores Public Schools is committed to providing quality programs for students that are designed to meet their individual needs. Although this handbook includes some general guidelines, decisions are based on student need and questions and concerns may need to be individually addressed.

If your questions are not answered in this handbook, please feel free to contact the Office of Student Services and Special Education.

Sincerely,

Penelope Miller-Smith

Director