Special Education
The Wissahickon School District provides special education services for all eligible students in K-12. Our special education programs are either operated by our school district or the Montgomery County Intermediate Unit. Services by disability area are listed as follows:
- Autism
- Deaf – Blindness
- Hearing Impairment
- Gifted Support Program
- Intellectually Disabled
- Multi-disabilities
- Emotional Disturbance
- Specific Learning Disability
- Speech and Language Impairment
- Occupational Therapy/Physical Therapy Services
- Orthopedic Impairment
- Visual Impairment including blindness
- Other Health Impairments
Important Notification: Change of Age of Eligiblity
The Wissahickon School District was notified of an important change to PA policy for Age of Eligibility for Student who were and are eligible for Special Education services:
On August 30, 2023, the Pennsylvania Department of Education (“PDE”) issued a directive to all local education agencies regarding the age of eligibility for students to receive a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Prior to this directive, the age of eligibility for students to receive FAPE was 21 years old. Students who turned 21 years old prior to a school term were unable to return to school. A student who turned 21 years old during a school term completed their education at the end of the school year or Extended School Year program during the year in which they turned 21. Pennsylvania has now revised the policy to have students to be educated up until their 22nd birthday.
Please view the link for more information from the PA Department of Education.
If you have any questions, please contact Suzanne Laubscher, Kate Jacovino or Dr. Kelle Heim-McCloskey.
- Eligibility for Special Education Services
- Chapter 15/504 Services: Protected Handicapped Students
- Extended School Year
- Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Assistance
Eligibility for Special Education Services
Chapter 15/504 Services: Protected Handicapped Students
Extended School Year
Office of Vocational Rehabilitation Assistance
Important Information
Annual Public Notice of Special Education Serviceswissahickon Special education plan: 2024-2027Wissahickon Special Education Plan: 2022-2023Alternative Education for Disruptive Youth AEDY Local Complaint Process - English
Alternative Education for Disruptive Youth AEDY Local Complaint Process - Spanish
Key Contacts
Main Phone:
215-619-8000
ext. 1410
Kelle Heim-Mccloskey, Ed. D.
Director of Student Services
Cindy Jampo
Secretary to the Director of Student Services
ext. 1410
Kate Jacovino
Supervisor of Special Education and Early Intervention
ext. 1435
Suzanne Laubscher
Supervisor of Special Education
ext. 1425
Hameda Bevivino
Secretary to the Supervisors of Special Education
ext. 1400
Kevin Witchey, Sr.
Home and School Visitor
ext. 1409
Mission
The mission of the Wissahickon School District’s Special Education Department is to provide a distinctive educational experience based on students’ individualized strengths and needs, with a goal of preparation for success in the paths each student chooses to pursue.
Vision
Wissahickon School District’s Special Education Department recognizes and values individual differences among students. Our focus is on providing educational programming that enables, empowers, and meets the academic, physical, social, behavioral, and emotional needs of every student; while maintaining high expectations that prepare our students to become successful, contributing members of society.
Through strong relationships and collaboration of stakeholders, our goal is to ensure the availability of a full continuum of program options to fit the unique needs of all students, to support their educational progress, and to realize their potential in school and the community.