What is Special Education?

Special Education refers to “specially designed instruction (SDI)” to meet the needs of an exceptional student. The term “exceptional” includes children with a physical, emotional or mental disability.

Special Education supports and services in the Scranton School District include a full continuum of services and are in compliance with federal and state laws. Scranton School District also utilizes resources outside the district  including the Northeastern Intermediate Unit 19, local approved private schools and other state licensed educational
programs.

What programs and/or services are available?

Programs are available in the Scranton School District for students with the following disabilities: Learning Disabled, Autistic, Deafness/Hearing Impairment, Emotional Disturbance, Intellectually Disabled, Multiple Disabled, Orthopedic Impairment, Other Health Impaired, Speech/Language Impaired, Traumatic Brain Injured and Visual Impairment including Blindness. Related services are available to assist a student with a disability including transportation, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Orientation and Mobility and Psychological Services.

A student with a disability who is in need of specially designed instruction (SDI) in the Scranton School District is supported by a Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) and an Individualized Education Program (IEP) team. All IEP’s are reviewed and/or revised at least once a year. All student programs are reevaluated every three years per state mandates. Those students with an Intellectual Disability are reevaluated every two years.

Other students with disabilities who do not qualify for supports and services through special education may be provided for as a Protected Handicapped Student under the requirements of section 504 of the Federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Chapter 15 of state regulations Title 22. Students with an identifiable disability which limits or prohibits participation in or access to an aspect of the school program can be provided with modifications and adaptations through a Chapter 15 Service Agreement.

What happens if a student is thought to be exceptional?

The law requires a series of procedures to be followed by a school district when assessing potential special education students. Parents have the right to be partners with the school staff in all aspects of that process from the evaluation to the decision over which programs, services and placement procedures are appropriate to meet their child’s needs. The procedure involves a screening process, a multidisciplinary evaluation (MDE), Individualized Education Program (IEP), if appropriate, and Notice of Recommended Educational Placement (NOREP).

Whom do I contact if I have questions and/or concerns?

Parents/Guardians may also contact the Special Education Consult Line through the Pennsylvania Department of Education at 1-800-879-2301 (in state) or (717) 657-5842 (out of state) for information regarding Special Education Regulations.

Further information about Special Education may be accessed through the Pennsylvania Department of Education web site at www.pde.state.pa.us

Upcoming Special Eduction Events

Please join Lackawanna /Susquehanna County Behavioral Health, Intellectual Disability, Early Intervention Program and The Arc of Northeastern Pennsylvania for a vibrant and inclusive Community Resource Fair designed to connect individuals with intellectual, developmental disabilities and autism, and their families, to valuable services and supports. 

Thursday May 28th from 11:00am to 3:00pm

Viewmont Mall Dickson City : Center Court Area

This event brings together a wide range of local vendors and organizations offering resources on transition, housing, employment, transportation, recreation, and more.

Attendees will have the opportunity to meet one-on-one with service providers, learn about available programs, and discover tools that promote independence and quality of life. Whether you are seeking guidance, support, or new opportunities, this fair is a welcoming space to explore what’s available in our community.

Come connect, learn, and empower your journey—everyone is welcome.

The next meeting for the Arc of NEPA Parent/Family Caregiver group is Thursday April 30th at 10 am at The Arc Conference Room at 115 Meadow Ave in Scranton.

There is also a zoom link: t.ly/4Aokx

We will have representatives from local providers that offer Life Sharing, as well as a life sharing host family and county intellectual disability services staff to share about programs and options.

The Arc parent and caregiver group strives to be a resource for families and caregivers to give them a sense of belonging and connection while providing information and resources on topics of interest. 

RSVP or request more information : Roseann Polishan - Arc Advocate at rpolishan@thearcnepa.org or 570-209-4180