KIPP DC conducts continuous efforts to identify, locate and evaluate children with disabilities between ages of three and twenty-two enrolled in their schools. These efforts include students who are homeless, in the custody of the District of Columbia Child and Family Service Agency, making progress grade to grade and/or may be highly mobile. Procedures for making referrals, conducting evaluations, communicating with families, writing and reviewing Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), maintaining student records and reporting student progress are managed at each school by the campus-based student support campus director and student support compliance manager.
Our Approach to Special Education
KIPP DC has created a robust system of supports across the network including a broad continuum of placements designed to support each student’s individual needs. Students will be educated in the least restrictive environment that meets their unique academic and social/emotional needs. When appropriate, KIPP DC provides multiple layers of support, including but not limited to specialized instruction and related services.
What are special education services?
Special education services is specialized instruction and related services designed to assist eligible school-aged children with accessing the general education curriculum through an Individualized Education Program.
How does my student become eligible for special education services?
Referral: A student suspected of having a disability may be referred to any KIPP DC staff member, orally or in writing, by either the parent, student that have their educational rights, or KIPP DC staff member who has knowledge of the student. Additionally, a referral can be made by a health or service provider with personal knowledge of the student, a public agency serving the student or the student’s family, or district agencies or programs. The referral should identify the current areas of concern.
Analysis of Existing Data: Following the referral for special education services, KIPP DC must conduct an analysis of existing data to determine if additional assessments are necessary. Existing data that may be considered may include but is not limited to teacher observations, classroom assessments, schoolwide screenings and assessments, state assessments, student grades and records, parent reports, health records, or data from other interventions. KIPP DC will provide the parent of a child suspected of having a disability with information about the nature of any additionally required assessment.
Evaluations: If evaluations are warranted, parent consent is required before the assessments can be administered and used to make a determination of eligibility for special education.
Eligibility Meeting: After the assessments are completed, the IEP team (including the parent/guardian) meets to review the evaluation results and determine whether the student is eligible for special education and/or related services.
IEP Meeting: If the student is found eligible for special education, the team develops an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
Consent for Initial Services: Before the KIPP DC can provide special education and related services to the student for the first time, the parent/guardian must provide written consent.
Who should I contact for more information?
For general information, please send an email to KIPPDCSST@kippdc.org, or access KIPP DC’s child find policy and locate your student’s campus’ Student Support team member that can directly help you with the referral process.