Resources for Parents
https://www.dcsdk12.org/about/our_district/departments/special_education
Our community has many resources that support individuals and families with disabilities.
Arapahoe/Douglas Mental Health Network
Providing professional, culturally inclusive mental health and substance abuse services. Arapahoe/Douglas Mental Health Network offers outpatient services such as individual, family, marital and group counseling therapies – plus a full range of group and inpatient programs.
Building better lives for persons with intellectual developmental disabilities and their families by improving connections to schools, work, and the community through influencing public policy, increasing public awareness, supporting local chapters, and collaborating with other organizations sharing the same values.
The mission of the Autism Society of Colorado is to improve the lives of all affected by autism. This includes families, providers, educators, and members of the community. At ASC, we say that we advocate, inform, and share the journey with thousands of Coloradoans.
Colorado Department of Education
Through setting a clear vision for increasing student and overall system performance, CDE continually supports the advancement and improvement of the state’s education system to prepare all learners for success in a rapidly changing global workplace. We have clear goals related to student achievement, educator effectiveness, school/district performance and state agency operations – all aimed at preparing students for success after high school.
Developmental Pathways is a Colorado non-profit agency created to serve persons with developmental disabilities and their families. It was established in 1964 as a community-based alternative to institutional care. Since that time, Pathways has developed a broad array of services based on the principle that full inclusion and participation in community life is attainable for every individual with a developmental disability. Developmental Pathways serves citizens of Arapahoe and Douglas Counties, and the portion of Adams County within the city of Aurora city limits.
Highlands Ranch Therapeutic Recreation Program
HRCA Therapeutic Recreation Programs are intended to enhance the quality of life of individuals with special needs. Programs are facilitated by Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists and/or qualified staff. We provide a quality and compassionate community-based environment for participants of all ages and abilities. Our goal is to challenge participants and support general independence, choice, self-determination, and self-confidence. We want each participant to enjoy recreation. We work towards social independence in a fun and safe environment, while encouraging a general sense of health, wellness, and improved quality of life.
The mission of PEAK Parent Center is to provide training, information and technical assistance to equip families of children birth through twenty-six including all disability conditions with strategies to advocate successfully for their children. As a result of PEAK's services to families and professionals, children and adults with disabilities will live rich, active lives participating as full members of their schools and communities.
Rocky Mountain Branch of The International Dyslexia Association (IDA- RMB). The International Dyslexia Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping individuals living with dyslexia, language and literacy challenges, their families and the communities that support them. The IDA-RMB provides local workshops and resources to educate and increase public awareness of dyslexia, a learning difference that affects up to 20 percent of the U.S. population.
Rocky Mountain Down Syndrome Society
The mission of Rocky Mountain Down Syndrome Association is to assure inclusion and enhance independence of people with Down syndrome. We will achieve this by providing education, resources and support in partnership with individuals, families, professionals, and the community.
The Douglas County Youth Initiative is a collaborative project between Douglas County government, the Douglas County School District, the City of Lone Tree, the Town of Castle Rock, the Town of Parker, and Douglas County Libraries. It serves to coordinate local youth-serving efforts and assess the needs of the community's kids.
Making Colorado a better place for children and youth with special health care needs.
Timeline for the Special Education Process (from the DCSD website)
In most cases the process begins at the school level and follows the timeline below. If you believe that your student may require Special Education services, please contact your child's school to start the process.
Initial referral for Special Education and procedural safeguards given to parents.
Consent for assessment given by parents.
School personnel have 60 calendar days to administer formal assessments to assist in determining if students meet eligibility requirements for Special Education. All assessments and reports must be completed by this time.
School personnel have another 30 days to set up an Individual Education Plan (IEP) meeting. Parents will recieve Notice of IEP meeting to confirm date/time to meet and review/discuss information obtained.
IEP meeting convenes within 30 calendar days of completion of assessments. If student qualifies for Special Education services, parents must sign a consent form to begin services.
Special Education services begin. Another IEP meeting will reconvene in a year from the date of the meeting to review services.
Music Therapy: Brochure attached below