Special Education Services

Avoca District 37 is committed to the free and appropriate public education (FAPE) of all students with disabilities who reside within District boundaries and may be eligible for special education and/or related services as required by Article 14 of the Illinois School Code, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

Any child, from birth through age 21, who is a resident of the District, is eligible for special education services. District 37 works cooperatively with Wilmette District 39 under the Wilmette Community Special Education Agreement (WCSEA) to provide specialized programs for children who are eligible for special education services. 

Avoca offers a continuum of special education and related services to meet the needs of students with disabilities. Special education instruction and services are provided based on a student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). A student may be eligible for special education and related services if he or she has a disability that impacts educational performance.

Parent(s)/guardian(s) who believe their child may require special education services should contact the building principal or the Director of Student Services. Requests for a full and individualized case study evaluation must be provided to the District in writing. If it is determined that a case study evaluation is needed to determine eligibility for special education services, parent(s)/guardian(s) will be required to consent to a case study evaluation. Parent(s)/guardian(s) have the right to a report of the evaluation information and to attend any meetings to determine eligibility for services. 

For children under the age of 3, screening appointments are available. Contact the Student Services office for more information at 847-728-4142. For children grades 9-12, contact New Trier High School. 

Questions regarding special education services and requests for a copy of Illinois’ special education regulations should be directed to the Director of Student Services. 

Illinois law requires all Illinois districts to provide parents/guardians with copies of all written material that will be reviewed at the IEP meeting no later than 3 school days prior to the meeting. Written material must include all evaluations and collected data that will be reviewed at the meeting and (except at initial eligibility meetings) a copy of all IEP components that will be discussed (not including service minutes and placement). Parents may request an electronic copy or paper copy of all documents. 

Related service logs are established and maintained for all students that require related services per their IEP. These services logs must be made available to parents/guardians upon request. 

Students with disabilities who do not qualify for an IEP may qualify for services under Section 504 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973, if the student: (1) has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, (2) has a record of a physical or mental impairment, or (3) is regarded as having a physical or mental impairment. 

If you believe your student meets one of the above categories and requires reasonable accommodations, you may contact the Director of Student Services at 847-728-4142 for more information regarding the identification, assessment, and placement of your student.

Resources:
Notice of Procedural Safeguards for Parents/Guardians of Students with Disabilities
(English | Spanish)

ISBE Parent Guide – Educational Rights and Responsibilities: Understanding Special Education in Illinois
(English | Spanish)