Every child deserves a special education
News
North Andover Public Schools Special Education Child Find
2006-2007 School Year
The Special Education Department of the North Andover Public Schools is conducting a Child Find search for:
- Children ages 3 to 5 years who live in North Andover and who may be experiencing learning difficulties or delays
And
- Young adults ages 16-22, who left school prior to receiving a diploma or a G.E.D.
If the above describes your child, a child that you know, or you, and if the person is a North Andover resident, please call the Special Education Office at 978-794-1717 for more information.
Preschool screening is available upon request throughout the school year if you believe your child has learning difficulties or delays. This screening is completely voluntary.How can you get involved?
NAPAC needs your help! We are currently in need of a Secretary and Treasurer! If you would like to get more involved in our organization or would like to help us out in our many initiatives in our community, please contact Lisa Staff.
Letter to parents, September 2006
- Parent Letter (PDF)
What is Special Education?
The purpose of special education is to allow a student to successfully develop his or her individual educational potential. Special Education is intended to serve students with disabilities so that such students are able to have the same full educational opportunities as their non-disabled peers.
Special education services are specifically designed instruction and related services that are necessary to allow the student to access the general curriculum. The instruction is designed to meet the unique needs of each individual.
Special education services range from homework or seating modifications to physical, occupational or speech therapy, or placement in a special program or school.
Children receiving special education services may have hidden or visible disabilities in any of these areas: health, physical, developmental, sensory, intellectual, neurological, emotional, speech and communication or specific learning issues.
The requirements regarding special education are based on state and federal law. The relevant laws are as follows:
State Law: The State special education law, popularly known as “Chapter 766” is contained in the Massachusetts General Laws (MGL) at Chapter 71B. The regulations implementing the statute are found in the Code of Massachusetts Regulations (CMR) at 603 CMR, Section 28.00.
Federal Law: The federal special education law is known as “IDEA” (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.) It is contained in the United States Code at 20 USC Sec. 1400. The implementing regulations for IDEA can be found in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) at Chapter 34, Section 300.
For additional information on Chapter 766 and IDEA go to www.doe.mass.edu/sped/laws.html
What is NAPAC?
Chapter 766 Massachusetts Special Education Regulation 603 CMR 28.07 (4) specifies:
"Each school district shall create a district-wide parent advisory council offering membership to all parents of eligible students and other interested parties. The parent advisory council duties shall include but not be limited to: advising the district on matters that pertain to the education and safety of students with disabilities: and, meeting regularly with school officials to participate in the planning, development, and evaluation of the school district's special education programs.”
The North Andover Parent Advisory Council for Children with Special Needs (NAPAC) is a group of parents, guardians and caregivers who are interested in learning more about special education. NAPAC hosts parents only meetings, as well as meetings that are open to the public, including educators and school administration. Please check the schedule for meetings dates, times and location. Notices of meetings are also posted in school newsletters, local newspapers and on local cable access.
Some the many activities NAPAC has been involved in include:
- creation of a comprehensive resource library located at the North Andover public library
- present workshops on such topics as MCAS, the IEP process and autism
- facilitate parent only open discussions
- sponsor informational meetings with school administrators
- support the North Andover Special Olympics and Best Buddies Program
NAPAC Officers
Lisa Rau Staff, Co-Chair
Kathleen Keith, Co-Chair
NAPAC is also a member of MASSPAC. MASSPAC was established on November 15, 1997. MASSPAC organizes all Special Education Parent Advisory Councils across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to work towards the understanding of, respect for, support, and optimal education for all children with special needs in the state and in respective communities.
NAPAC is always open to new members and welcomes your participation. For additional information download the NAPAC Informational Brochure, the NAPAC Brochure titled “Where We’ve Been” or contact us via email at NorthAndoverPAC@comcast.net
NAPAC is always looking for input from parents. Please feel free to download and fill out our Questionnaire located in the Documents link on this site. Please mail the survey to our PO Box address or bring the completed survey to one of our meetings.
For information on MASSPAC visit www.MASSPAC.org
Page Last Modified Tue 01-02-2007 11:26