Special Education

To identify students who may be eligible for special education services, screening activities are conducted according to state regulations, school policy, upon recommendation of school staff, or upon written request from the parents. 

When screening results indicate a student may have a disability, the District will seek parental permission to conduct a multidisciplinary evaluation (MDE). This evaluation will include an educational psychological evaluation by one of our school psychologists. 

A parent can also request an evaluation for their child to determine if they qualify for special education services. More information can be obtained by contacting the Special Education Department at (717) 732-3601 or your child’s guidance counselor.

In Pennsylvania, students qualify for special education services if they have one of the following physical or mental disabilities and need specially designed instruction:

• Autism                               
• Deafness
• Deaf-blindness                 
• Emotional Disturbance   
• Hearing Impairment       
• Intellectual Impairment
• Multi-disabilities               
• Neurological Impairment
• Orthopedic Impairment   
• Other Health Impairment
• Visual Impairment               
• Speech or Language Impairment including blindness

• Learning Support – We provide learning support services in all buildings.  Levels of intervention include full-time, supplemental, and itinerant support services.  The level of service provided to each student is determined by the student’s individual needs and is outlined in their Individualized Educational Program (IEP).
• Emotional Support – We provide emotional support services in all buildings for students who have emotional needs.  Itinerant and supplemental services are provided K – 12.
• Speech and Language Support – Three full-time and one part-time speech clinicians are available to students who have identified speech and/or language impairments.
• Autistic Support – Students with autism receive autistic support services within the regular classroom whenever possible.  We have special education teachers who work with both the teachers and students to provide specially designed instruction to produce a learning environment where the student with autism can be successful.
• Deaf or Hearing Impaired Support and Blind or Visually Impaired Support – We contract with the Capital Area Intermediate Unit (CAIU) or our consortium for itinerant services in these areas.
• Multiple Disabilities Support and Life Skills Support – Students who have intense needs and are identified as having multiple disabilities or an intellectual disability may receive services through the Capital Area Intermediate Unit or the consortium.  The placement of students at a CAIU program is determined by the IEP team. 

Please use the link below to access information relating to parental rights and procedural safeguards.  A copy of each document is presented to all special education parents at the yearly IEP meeting. Copies are also available at each school.