Dr. Robert Stark, Special Services Director - rstark@monroelocalschools.com
Stacy Lunn, School Psychologist - slunn@monroelocalschools.com
Kristina Polachek, School Psychologist - kpolachek@monroelocalschools.com
Kim Robertson, Secretary - krobertson@monroelocalschools.com

Phone: 513-539-8101

Mission Statement
It is our mission to plan, coordinate, and implement specialized services that remove barriers to learning. We provide these services in partnership with students, parents, teachers and other members of the Monroe learning community.

We believe every child:

• Is a unique individual able to learn.


• Deserves to feel a sense of true belonging to our school community.


• Deserves to reach his or her full potential and become a contributing member of society.

Child Find Notice
In accordance with rule 3301-51-03 of the Operating Standards for Ohio's Schools Serving Children with Disabilities, Monroe Local Schools participates in an ongoing effort to identify, locate and evaluate all children (birth through 21 years of age) who reside in the district and have a disability.

If you suspect your child has a disability or if you have questions about special education for children with disabilities, please contact Special Services at 513-539-8101.

F.A.Q's

1. 
   What are special education services?

   Special Education services can include support provided by an Intervention Specialist, Speech and Language Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist, School Psychologist, educational aide or assistant. That support may be provided through direct instruction in the regular classroom or a resource room, or it may be provided through consultation to the teachers who work with the child.

2. Is there an age restriction?

   Monroe Local School District participates in an ongoing effort (per Rule 3301-51-03 of the Operating Standards for Ohio's Schools Serving Children with Disabilities) to identify, locate and evaluate all children, birth through 21 years of age, residing in the district. Monroe Local Schools offers a preschool program for children with disabilities ages 3-5, and a school-age program for students with disabilities ages 5-21.

3. How can I get help for my child?

   Through the Intervention Assistance team, your child will receive interventions to help them with any problems they are experiencing. The results of those interventions will be used by the team to determine whether or not they suspect a disability. If a disability is suspected, the team will conduct a multi-factored evaluation to determine eligibility according to specific state criteria. If your child meets the criteria, an Individualized Educational Program (IEP) will be developed within 30 days and your child will begin receiving services when the IEP is signed by the team.

4. What is an Individualized Education Plan (IEP)?

   An IEP is a written plan for a child with a disability that is developed according to federal and state regulations. The plan includes your child's strength's and weaknesses, measurable annual goals and short-term objectives, a statement of the special education and related services to be provided to your child, information regarding participation in state or district assessments, and the date for beginning of services. The IEP will be reviewed annually.

5. Why are special education services so important?

   We believe every child deserves to reach his or her potential. Children with disabilities are able to learn and most can accomplish as much as other children, but they need extra help to keep pace with their peers. The earlier that we provide that help to children, the easier it will be for them to learn successfully.

Links:

Abilities First Application
Ohio Department of Education, Office for Exceptional Children
Council for Exceptional Children
Children and Adults with Attention Defict/Hyperactive Disorder
Learning Disabilities Online
Inclusive Practices for Children Birth - age 8 years
Southwest Ohio Special Education Regional Resource Center