The Channahon School District 17 Special Education Department believes a cooperative effort between parents and school is necessary to provide the most beneficial programs and services for students. In order to best meet the needs of children with identified special needs, Channahon School District 17 has special education teams within each of the four buildings, utilizing the services of special education teachers, paraprofessionals, speech/language pathologists, school social workers, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and a school psychologist. For lower-incidence programming and service needs, our district utilizes the services of Southern Will County Cooperative for Special Education (SOWIC). Working with SOWIC, Channahon School District 17 is able to offer a continuum of services for students identified as needing special education services.

If a child is referred to the building special education team, the team will review the child’s academic, social/emotional, medical, and physical developmental information to determine the need for a special education evaluation. If the team feels that an evaluation is warranted, the team will set up a meeting to discuss the components of the evaluation and obtain parent consent to evaluate. Once an evaluation is complete, the team will reconvene to discuss the evaluation results and determine the child’s eligibility for services. As each child is unique, individual goals and service plans are developed to meet each child’s needs within the appropriate program.

The Special Education staff is committed to working with parents to provide a positive, productive learning environment for students. Parents are encouraged to contact their children’s teachers, case manager, and building administration with any questions or concerns related to the programs and services provided. Bridget North, the district’s special education program coordinator, is also available to assist parents. Please see this document for a list of meeting tips to help prepare you for your child’s upcoming IEP meeting.

Special Education Parent Forms and Resources (English)

• Educational Rights and Responsibilities: Understanding Special Education in Illinois - “The Parent Guide”

• Notice of Procedural Safeguards for Parents/Guardians of Students with Disabilities- June 2022

• Illinois Prioritization of Urgent Needs (PUNS) Brochure - Contact Bridget North, Designated School Contact to Facilitate Enrollment in Puns (Email Bridget North)

Formularios y recursos para padres de educación especial (español)

• Derechos y responsabilidades educacionales: entendiendo la educación especial en Illinois - "Guía para padres"

• Aviso de salvaguardias procesales para padres/tutores de alumnos con discapacidades - Junio 2022

• Una guía de la PUNS

Interpretation Services

Parents/Guardians have the right to request that the school district provide an interpreter for IEP meetings. Parents/Guardians also have the right to request that the interpreter serve no other role in the IEP meeting other than as an interpreter and the school district should make reasonable efforts to fulfill this request. If you believe that the school district unreasonably denied your request for an interpreter who serves no other role in the IEP meeting, you have all rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Article 14 of the School Code. These rights include a due process hearing, State complaint, mediation, ISBE monitoring, and filing a complaint with the Office for Civil Rights. You have the right to a written translation of vital IEP documents. You can contact Bridget North at 815-521-3189 for any questions or complaints about interpretation services. You can request an interpreter by contacting Bridget North, CSD17 Special Education Program Coordinator  at 815-521-3189 or via email at bnorth@csd17.org.