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Special Education

Special Education Links & Resources

Xenia Community Schools is committed to providing support to students with disabilities to prepare them for future success! Every student has the right to a free and appropriate education that meets their needs, and our Special Education staff works to ensure that every student is given the support to achieve academically, acquire critical life skills, and be prepared for work or future education opportunities. 

XCS provides special education services to any child who qualifies as having a disability according to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Operating Standards for Ohio’s Schools Serving Children with Disabilities.

This includes:


This page is intended to provide an overview for all families to reference, but cannot cover the full scope of Special Education services. If you suspect your child has a disability, reach out to your child’s school principal directly. They can guide you through the process, and work with you to find the best solution for your student. 

  • A Guide to Parent's Rights in Special Education 
    This guide from the Ohio Department of Education provides a detailed overview of both your child’s rights, as well as procedures within the system. Includes information about Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), parental consent, accessing educational records, and more.


    Learn more at Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, or download the PDF document. 


    Vision Screening 
    Ohio House Bill 95 requires all students identified with a disability to have a comprehensive eye exam within three (3) months of receiving services. The documents below are part of this process:

    Vision Letter
    A parent/guardian must complete this paperwork, acknowledging the need for an eye exam under HB95.

    HB 95 Eye Examination Report
    This form is the eye examination form that must be completed as part of the required by the medical professional completing the comprehensive eye exam.

     
    For copies of your child’s special education records, please contact the XCS Central Office at 937-562-9006.
     

  • There are many terms and abbreviations used in education, and these are two of the biggest that we get questions about!  Below is a brief overview of these two terms. It is not intended to provide a complete legal framework for understanding special education accommodation plans, but to help families begin to understand how they apply to their child.

    In short, IEP and 504 Plans both detail a specific accommodation plan for an individual student that ensures they have access to a free and appropriate public education. IEP plans cover students who qualify for Special Education, while 504 Plans cover students who do not meet the criteria for special education, but still require some accommodations. 

    What is an IEP? 
    Guided by the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA), an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) provides special education and related services to a student who is identified as having a disability that negatively impacts their ability to access the general education curriculum.
     
    What is a 504 Plan?
    Part of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504 is a civil rights law that is designed to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities. Students who have a physical or mental impairment which substantially limits a major life activity are eligible.

    Reference Documents: 

  • Greene County DD 
    Many families benefit from services provided by the Greene County Board of Developmental Disabilities. Families should contact the Board directly to determine their child's eligibility.
     
    Help Me Grow Greene County
    Help Me Grow provides services to children with disabilities ages birth - 36 months. For questions about their services or eligibility requirements, please contact them directly.
     
    Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities
    The State of Ohio offers services for young adults as they transition from high school and into the world of work. For questions about their services, referrals or eligibility requirements, please contact them directly.
     
    Scholarship Programs 
    The Jon Peterson Special Needs Scholarship Program (JPSN) gives the parents of children with disabilities the choice to send their child to special education programs other than the one operated by their school district of residence to receive the education and the services outlined in their Individualized Education Program (IEP).

    The Autism Scholarship Program (ASP) gives the parents of children with autism who qualify for a scholarship the choice to send the child to a special education program other than the one operated by the school district of residence.