Special Education Services

The Vinita Public School District serves all children with disabilities ages 3 to 21 who are eligible for educational services in accordance with federal laws, P.L. 99-457 and P.L. 94-142, Oklahoma State Department Policies and Procedures, and local district policy.  For infants and toddlers (ages 0-3), the Vinita School District performs Child Find responsibilities. Infants and toddlers are referred by the school district in Craig, Mayes and Delaware County regional offices of sooner start for early intervention services through an IFSP (Individual Family Service Plan).

Categories of disabilities for school services include the following:

• Speech or Language Impairment

• Visual Impairment

• Multiple Disabilities

• Orthopedic Impairments

• Development Delays (Ages 3-6)

• Specific Learning Disability

• Traumatic Brain Injury

• Deafness or Hearing Impairment

• Deaf-Blindness

• Mental Retardation

• Other Health Impairments

• Emotional Disturbance

• Specific Learning Disability

• Autism

For Vinita District residents needing information regarding eligibility for services, please contact Mary Smith, 402 W. Clyde, Vinita, OK 74301 (918) 256-6692.

FERPA

The Vinita District follows regulations regarding confidentially procedures and those pertaining to the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). FERPA is part of Vinita Public Schools' District Policy. School patrons may obtain a complete copy of FERPA by requesting it from the secretary or the principal at any of the school sites.

Covid Related Information

Dear Families and Parents of Students with Disabilities,

During this period of frequent school closures, we recognize this is a difficult time for our parents, guardians, caregivers and students.  We understand that one of your concerns is how your children with disabilities will continue to receive support and services from schools while they are closed due to COVID-19.  During this unprecedented time, we appreciate that families and educators will work together to provide the best possible access to special education instruction and services.

In this letter, I want to share some important updates about what our school is doing to support your child during this time.

What will happen to my child’s services when school is canceled for all students due to COVID-19? 

• 1. If a school closure causes educational services for all students to stop, then the school/district is generally not required to provide services to the affected students eligible for special education services during that same period of time (See OSEP Letter to Pergament, December 2013). This general standard is especially true in cases where the school district will still provide the required minimum of school days.

  2. After an extended closure, districts are responsible for reviewing how the closure impacted the delivery of special education and related services to students eligible for special education services. Students may need additional services or extended school year services to make up missed services. 

  3. If annual IEP reviews or eligibility reviews are due during a school closure, please work with your school closely to meet as soon as school is back in session or through alternate means, such as video or audio conference calls. 

What will happen to my child’s services when a school is closed but educational services continue to be provided to all students? 

• 1. If a district has extended school closures but continues to provide educational services to all students, the district will remain responsible for the free appropriate public education (FAPE) of its students eligible for special education services with an individualized education program (IEP). 

     1. In some cases, the provision of FAPE may include students continuing to come to the school buildings to receive in-person instruction.  This will apply to very few students but there are some who need to remain in school to be able to receive FAPE.

  2. Teachers should be communicating with parents and guardians prior to, during, and after an extended school closure regarding their child’s IEP services. Teachers and parents will work to ensure that all students receive services to the most appropriate extent possible. 

  3. Although special education or related services may need to be adjusted, IEP teams should work to ensure that a student on an IEP receives services comparable to all other students. Services might include school work packets, online learning, or some other learning adapted to the student’s needs and location. 

  4. After an extended closure, IEP teams are responsible for reviewing how the closure impacted the delivery of special education and related services to students eligible for special education services. Students may need additional services or extended school year services to make up missed services. 

  5. If annual IEP reviews or eligibility reviews are due during this time, please work with your school closely to meet as soon as school is back in session or through alternate means, such as video or audio conference calls. 

What will happen to my child’s services if school remains open but my child is sick and sent home? 

• 1. Students who are sick and who need to stay at home for more than ten days may need to receive homebound instruction. 

  2. The IEP team must meet to determine how to provide services for your child. This may include school work packets, online instruction, or some other type of learning adapted to the student’s needs and location. 

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me.  The easiest way to reach me is through email.   My email address is mcdanikl@vinitahornets.com.  (Also, you can reach me at 918.256.6777.)

Sincerely,

Kelli McDaniel

Special Education Coordinator

Vinita Public Schools