SPECIAL EDUCATION • Welcome to Special Education! Bear Lake School District #33 Special Education programs exist to provide services to county students who meet eligibility requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) under one of the thirteen disability categories allowed in the State of Idaho. All district schools are served by special education professionals and related service providers, but not all schools offer the same programs. The District seeks to meet its obligations under the law to provide Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) to all eligible students and to do this within the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). Services will be provided in a student’s home school to the extent that this is appropriate.

SPECIAL EDUCATION • What is Special Education? Bear Lake School District #33 Special Education programs exist to provide services to our students who meet eligibility requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) under one of the thirteen disability categories allowed in the State of Idaho. All district schools are served by special education professionals and related service providers, but not all schools offer the same programs.

• There isn’t a “one size fits all” approach when it comes to special education services. Once a student has qualified for services, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) team determines appropriate goals and accommodations/modifications based on each student’s individual needs. All students, however, are required to receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE) in his/her least restrictive environment (LRE). Idaho State Department of Education defines the above terms:  FAPE: A basic Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) 2004 requirement which states that special education and related services are provided at public expense (free); in conformity with an appropriately developed IEP (appropriate); under public supervision and direction (public); and include preschool, elementary, and secondary education that meets the education standards, regulations, and administrative policies and procedures issued by the state department.  LRE: The IDEA 2004 requirement that students with disabilities, including those in public or private institutions or other care facilities, be educated with students who are non-disabled to the maximum extent appropriate. Preschool Bear Lake’s Developmental Preschool is a federally funded program designed for early intervention. Screenings are held 2 to 3 times yearly to comply with Bear Lake School District and the Idaho State Department of Education’s policy to insure all students with disabilities are entitled to receive a free appropriate public education. Preschool screenings are for 3- and 4-year-old children for whom there may be concerns in the areas of gross or fine motor skills, speech-language, social skill, or cognitive development. In addition, a vision and hearing screening will be offered. Children must be 3 years old by the screening date. Bear Lake’s Developmental Preschool is an Early Childhood Program that gives preschool students learning opportunities through imaginative play, independent exploration, structured activities, and hands-on learning, Preschool students develop early literacy, mathematics, science, and social skills. A vigorous dose of running, jumping, and dancing keeps them active and healthy. Preschool is held Monday thru Thursday at Paris Elementary. Based on need, students are scheduled for up to four days weekly, mornings or afternoons. A preschool bus is provided for transportation to and from preschool.