Eligibility Notice
Students who do not qualify for an IEP through special education may qualify for a Section 504 Plan. If you would like further information regarding potential eligibility for a Section 504 Plan, contact the building principal.
Special Education Services & Procedures
Jacksonville School District #117
Jacksonville School District #117 is committed to providing a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) to all eligible students with disabilities in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Illinois School Code.
The District maintains written Special Education Procedures that guide the identification, evaluation, determination of eligibility, placement, and delivery of special education services.
Special Education Procedures
The District’s Special Education Procedures describe how the district:
- Identifies students who may need special education services (Child Find)
- Conducts evaluations and reevaluations
- Determines eligibility for services
- Develops and implements Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
- Ensures services are provided in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)
- Maintains student educational records and confidentiality
Parent Rights (Procedural Safeguards)
Parents/guardians of students with disabilities have rights under federal and state law. These rights include, but are not limited to:
- The right to participate in all IEP meetings
- The right to receive prior written notice before changes are made
- The right to request an independent educational evaluation (IEE)
- The right to dispute decisions through mediation or due process
- The right to receive annual procedural safeguards notice
Procedural Safeguards Notice: Procedural Safeguards
Parent Participation
The District encourages active parent participation in all special education decision-making. Parents/guardians may invite individuals with knowledge or expertise, including advocates or support persons, to attend meetings.
Evaluation and Eligibility
Evaluations are conducted using a variety of assessment tools and data sources. Eligibility is determined by a multidisciplinary team and is not based on any single measure.
Timelines and Compliance
The District follows all required timelines for:
- Evaluations (including initial and re-evaluations)
- IEP development and review
- Response to Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) requests
Least Restrictive Environment (LRE)
Students with disabilities are educated with their nondisabled peers to the maximum extent appropriate. Placement decisions are based on individual student needs.
Contact Information
For questions regarding special education services, please contact:
Barbie Davidsmeyer, Director of Student Services and Special Education
Email: [email protected] Phone: (217) 243-7402