Special Education Philosophy

Ottawa Hills Local School District is committed to providing an “appropriate education” for all of the students of this Village through regular education and special education programs.  Special education is a needs based program, that is, the specific services and the setting in which services are provided are determined for each student based on individual needs.  Special education students are provided services in the least restrictive environment.  Depending on individual needs, a student may receive services in a variety of settings in district or out of district.  These settings may include, but not be limited to, the regular classroom, a special education resource room, a community setting, a separate school or facility, the home, or a combination of these settings.

The individual education program (IEP) team, headed by the special education director, including parents, the building principal, teachers, specialists, and the Lucas County Educational Service Center (LCESC) personnel will determine each child’s placement and will develop each child’s IEP.  The team will regularly review the placement and progress of each special education student.

The Ottawa Hills Local School District will provide a range of support services for children identified as needing special education services and the teachers who have those children in their regular classroom.  The resources and support services will be adequate to enable the school to provide an appropriate educational program for special education and regular education students.  District staff members will assess special education program needs and make modifications as needed on an ongoing basis.