PARTNERS IN SSS

Until students reach the majority age of 18 years, their PARENTS are the key team members in the development of an Individualized Education Program (IEP).  After a student reaches the age of majority they may advocate for themselves, making all decisions about their program and services. 

To ensure all parents understand the IEP and their rights, translations into the home language are provided. 

Besides the Special Student Services staff, related services providers, and parents, other school staff and outside agencies provide valuable input to determine the best way to help the student achieve success.  This team, along with the student, makes decisions about the IEP.

General education teachers and principals refer students for evaluations, provide input at IEP meetings, and implement modifications according to IEPs.  The SSS Department provides these personnel with professional development, guidance in compliance issues, and consultation in ways to modify instruction and materials for eligible students. 

If students have special needs requiring services from the school nurse, bus contractor, maintenance director, or food service director, a representative of that department may be invited to the IEP meeting to contribute expertise in their area. A copy of the IEP is sent to that department, accompanied by a phone call from the SSS Office.

Examples of agencies that may participate in the development of a student’s IEP are:  Eastern NM Rehabilitative Services for the Handicapped (ENMRSH), MECA, HeadStart, and local daycares that transition 2-3 year old students into our early intervention preschool.  The agencies provide evaluations, refer preschool students for evaluations, and provide input at IEP meetings.  Other agencies that may attend IEP meetings for high school students to transition to post-school settings are Eastern New Mexico University (ENMU), Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR), or potential employers.

The IEP team decides on the remediation and modifications that will be provided for each child with a disability so every student can progress academically toward graduation.