The mission of the Special Education Department is to collaborate with all Leyden departments to provide a supportive and inclusive educational experience for students with disabilities. In alignment with our Child Find obligations, the District ensures that all children with disabilities residing within the District who are in need of special education and related services are identified, located, and evaluated, including children who are homeless, wards of the State, highly mobile, or attending private schools. Our goal is to empower students by enhancing academic success, fostering self-reflection and character development, and preparing them for post-secondary education, career opportunities, and meaningful contributions to their communities.
“All children with disabilities residing in the State, including children with disabilities who are homeless children or are wards of the State and children with disabilities attending private schools, regardless of the severity of their disabilities, and who are in need of special education and related services, are identified, located, and evaluated.”
In accordance with Public Act 101-0515, the District is providing notice to parents/guardians regarding their rights in relation to the provision of related services to students who are eligible for special education under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. School personnel who provide related services to students are required to maintain written logs that contain the service provided, the date, and the number of minutes administered. These related service logs must be provided to parents/guardians during the student’s annual review IEP meeting and also anytime upon request. These service logs are considered part of a student’s temporary school records. You may also request a copy of the logs at any time. Please direct your request to the special education case manager for your child or Leyden Area Special Education Cooperative.
Medicaid Legal Notification
If your child receives special education services and is also Medicaid eligible, Leyden is able to seek partial reimbursement from Medicaid for services documented in your child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP). Medicaid reimbursement helps school districts maintain and improve diagnostic and therapeutic services for students.
The reimbursement process requires Leyden to provide Medicaid with your child’s name, birth date, and Medicaid number. Parental consent is required before this information is released. Federal law requires annual notification of our intent to pursue this reimbursement opportunity. If you object to the release of information to Medicaid, please communicate this to your building or special education administrator.
Regardless of your decision, the district must continue to provide, at no cost to you, the services listed in your child’s IEP. This program has no impact on your child’s or your family’s current or future Medicaid benefits. Under federal law, participation in this program CANNOT:
·decrease lifetime coverage or any other public insurance benefit, resulting in the family paying for services that would otherwise be covered by Medicaid,
· increase your premiums, or result in the loss of eligibility for home and community-based waivers.
Your continued consent allows the district to recover a portion of the costs associated with providing health services to your child.
