Welcome to the Paris School Special Education Website!
This site is intended to provide you with a variety of information regarding the world of Special Education. Special Education services a diverse population of students and families. Should you have any questions, please contact Roger Gahart/District Administrator and Director of Special Education or Kim Hansen/District Special Education Coordinator at 262/859-2350. Enjoy your visit!
What is Special Education?
Some children who are having problems in school may need extra help through Special Education. Special Education is for children who have an identified disability. Schools must follow certain procedures to decide if a child is eligible for Special Education. These procedures are written in state and federal laws. Once a child is determined to be eligible for Special Education an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is developed to specifically address the child’s educational needs.
Who can receive Special Education services?
A child who is at least 3 years old, but not yet 21, and who has not yet graduated from high school can receive Special Education services if it has been determined he or she is eligible.
Each state has its own set of criteria for identifying disability areas. Children in Wisconsin can be identified with the following disability areas: Cognitive Disability, Hearing Impairment, Speech or Language Impairment, Visual Impairment, Orthopedic Impairment, Emotional/Behavioral Disability, Autism, Traumatic Brain Injury, Significant Developmental Delay, Learning Disability, and Other Health Impairment (includes AD/HD)
What steps do I follow if I am concerned my child has a disability?
If you suspect your child may have a disability, contact Roger Gahart/District Administrator/Director of Special Education or Kim Hansen/District Special Education Coordinator. They will assist you with your concerns and guide you in the appropriate direction for the next course of action.
For additional information, please reference the following websites:
Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction – Special Education
An Introduction to Special Education
Special Education Procedural Safeguards: Rights for Parents and Students
Special Needs Scholarship Program
Parent Support & Resources
The Paris School Special Education Department is committed to providing parents with resources to support and foster a strong relationship between school, home and community. We recognize the need to build a network of supports for our families. Below, you will find a variety of resources of support.
Wisconsin Statewide Parent-Educator Initiative (WSPEI)
WSPEI is an organization that helps to build positive partnerships between families and school districts resulting in shared decision making and student’s learning. For more information, contact the WSPEI Family Information and Support Specialist Team at 833/879-7734 or visit https://wspei.org/
Wisconsin Family Assistance Center for Education, Training & Support (WI-FACETS)
The mission of this organization is to provide and broaden opportunities that enhance the quality of life for children and adults with disabilities and their families, with emphasis on support for underserved families in the community. For more information call 877/374 – 0511 or visit www.wifacets.org
Wisconsin Family Ties
WI Family Ties is a statewide, not-for-profit organization run by families for families that include children and adolescents who have emotional, behavioral and mental health needs. For more information call (800) 422-7145 or visit https://www.wifamilyties.org/contact/
Autism Society of Southeast Wisconsin. (ASSEW)
ASSEW’s mission is to improve the lives of all affected by autism and serve as the primary Autism/Asperger Syndrome PDD resource in Dodge, Jefferson, Kenosha, Milwaukee, Ozaukee, Racine, Walworth, Washington and Waukesha counties. ASSEW holds several networking, support, and professional development events throughout the year. For more information, visit https://www.assew.org/contact/.
