HBR provides a free, appropriate public education to eligible students with disabilities who between the ages of 3 through 21 years old through a full continuum of special education and related services. Each school provides a variety of services to address the diverse needs of their student population. All schools are committed to providing services in the least restrictive environment. This commitment provides the opportunity for children to participate in and benefit from the general education curriculum and environment as much as possible.

Child Find/Eligibility

Students are identified for special education through a child find process as required by federal and state guidelines.

Early Childhood

Students between the ages of 3-5 years old who reside within school district boundaries may participate in a developmental screening through HBR's Early Childhood Program. This screening will determine if the child is meeting developmental milestones in the areas of speech and language, academic readiness, social emotional readiness, and motor skills. If difficulties are detected from the screening, an evaluation may be initiated in order to identify possible special education eligibility. To schedule a developmental screening, please contact Sarah Kuperus at SKuperus@hbr429.org.

School-Age

For students currently attending our K-12 schools, the district implements Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)—a systemic, prevention-focused, and data-driven framework designed to meet the needs of all learners. Through MTSS, teams regularly review student performance and connect students with targeted interventions that supplements our research based core instruction with supplemental and targeted instruction for identified academic or social/emotional needs. Students receive these targeted interventions, and their progress is regularly monitored. Teams review progress throughout this process and make adjustments as needed. If concerns about a student’s progress persist, a request may be made for a comprehensive evaluation to determine eligibility for special education under IDEA, when appropriate. Additionally, families and/or school teams may directly request comprehensive evaluation to determine eligibility for special education under IDEA.

Questions regarding referral procedures should be directed to Sarah Kuperus at SKuperus@hbr429.org

Home School Students or Private School Students

Full-time private school students or homeschooled students with disabilities have the opportunity to meaningfully participate in school district special education / related service throughout the school year.

HBR ensures meaningful participation by:

○ Completing child find
○ Providing educational recommendations for eligible students
○ Providing direct speech-language services

For students currently enrolled in any school within the District’s boundaries—including private, parochial, or home-schooled students—the school team or family may request a formal evaluation to determine eligibility for special education services. If a family suspects their child has a disability, this request should be submitted to the Director of Student Services, Bonnie Osborne at BOsborne@hbr429.org

Home Schooled or Parentally Placed Non Public Students

Related Services

Students who qualify for special education services, may need specific services in order to meet their individual, school based needs. Each building is staffed with personnel who are qualified to provide the appropriate services and support, as determined by the Individual Education Plan (IEP).

School social work, speech/language therapy, occupational therapy and physical therapy, are some of the related services provided as individual student needs deem necessary. Related service staff members are listed on building staff rosters and can be contacted through the child’s school.

For questions related to special education, contact our Director of Student Services, Bonnie Osborne at Bosborne@hbr429.org

Hinckley-Big Rock CUSD #429