Student Support Services

The WSESU Special Services Department provides support for and direct supervision of the provision of special education services in all four school districts, including the management of student special education records and all data reporting to the Vermont Agency of Education (VTAOE), the procurement and management of special education services and the management, submission and reporting of all Medicaid reimbursements generated by special education services activities.  In addition, they have primary responsibility for the development and management of special education budgets and state and Federal grants for special education.  They support and consult with school level staff in areas of special education law, instructional services, student discipline, and personnel issues.  The special education administrative staff provides supervision and evaluation of teaching and paraprofessional staff, as well as other special education professional personnel.  Other responsibilities include supervision and evaluation of Essential Early Education (EEE), support and consultation for 504 protected students, Migrant Workers’ students, and students meeting the criteria for homelessness (Click here for McKinney-Vento Homeless Information). 

Special Education Services are based on individual student needs which are determined during the eligibility process for special education services and by monitoring the educational progress of the student who has been found eligible for an Individualized Education Program (IEP).

The following services may be provided by an IEP: Direct, specially designed instruction in any of the Basic Skill Areas: Oral Expression, Listening Comprehension, Basic Reading Skills, Reading Comprehension, Math Calculation, Math Reasoning, Written Expression, Motor Skills, and Transition (to adulthood) Services

Special Education instruction may be provided by special educators, paraprofessionals, Speech-Language Therapists (SLPs), Speech-Language Therapy Assistants (SLPAs), Physical Education Teachers, and other qualified personnel or contracted service provider. 

Students with IEPs may require Related Services so that they are able to access their specially designed instruction.  For example, Behavioral Specialists; Occupational or Physical Therapy; audiological services; counseling; interpreting services; orientation/mobility services for blind/visually impaired students; parent counseling/training; certain recreational services; vocational rehabilitation services; nursing services; social work services; transportation; speech-language services; Transition (to adulthood) services.