WEST WARWICK PUBLIC SCHOOLS
SPECIAL EDUCATION STAFFING
I. RATIONALE
The West Warwick School Committee and the West Warwick Public Schools are committed to providing a high quality education for every child. Recognizing that every student has unique learning needs, diversified learning opportunities are provided for all students throughout the district. Learning opportunities are enhanced with supplemental programs and services both in and outside of the classroom. Special education and related services are provided to support students with disabilities in achieving academic and functional performance.
A key element in the provision of Free Appropriate Public Education (“FAPE”) for students with disabilities is the availability of certified teachers, related service personnel, and qualified support staff to implement each student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Professional development and training will be available regarding the requirements and intent of all regulations and research based practices used to provide an appropriate education for all students.
The West Warwick Public Schools strive to continuously improve the quality of education to all students, and are dedicated to assess and evaluate the delivery of services to students with disabilities.
II. PERSONNEL STAFFING
The West Warwick Public Schools’ staffing plan will ensure that appropriate personnel are available to deliver the services and instruction required to fully implement student IEP’s and provide FAPE in the least restrictive environment. This plan will be based on the needs of students and will follow the guidelines outlined in this policy. The staffing plan will follow these principles:
The assignment of personnel will be based on student needs rather than a specific category of disability or severity of disability.
The full continuum of special education and related support services for students will be available as determined by the IEP team, consistent with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Rhode Island Regulations of the Board of Regents Governing the Special Education of Children with Disabilities.
West Warwick Public schools recognize that family participation is critical in the development and implementation of the IEP for their child. Family engagement is and will be a regular part of the special education process, as well as school activities. Staffing decisions will support placement of students with disabilities in the least restrictive environment as determined by their IEP Team.
Flexibility in special education staffing is essential to address changes that may occur in a student’s educational and functional needs throughout the school year. Related service personnel staffing considerations will include the need for collaboration and consultation with general education teachers so that appropriate interventions are available in the least restrictive environment. Special education staffing must be compliant with federal and state law, regulations, and policies governing special education.
Date Adopted:
6/9/09
Revision Date:
8/13/2019