Union Public School District Child Find Notice
In compliance with State and Federal Law, Union Public School District (UPSD) is participating in an ongoing, statewide effort to identify, evaluate, and initiate services for children and youth residing within the district who have or are at risk of developing disabilities or other special needs. These services are available for children and youth ranging from birth through twenty-one years of age. Early identification of special needs children is especially important to the growth and welfare of each child. Such early identification will assist in determining present and future program needs as UPSD strives to provide free and appropriate public education to all disabled children and youth ages three through twenty-one. Dr. Lori Wilcher, Child Find Coordinator for UPSD, is responsible for conducting an awareness campaign annually. This office networks with the local Head Start, Human Services, Health Department, and Mental Health Agencies, as well as local physicians and other individuals in efforts to identify and locate children who may be in need of special education services. Upon referral to the Child Find Coordinator, the process then abides by the Referal-to-Placement guidelines approved by the Mississippi Department of Education. Once a verbal or written request is made, the Multidisciplinary Education Team will meet with the family within 14 days to determine if an evaluation is needed. If so, written permission from the child’s parent is required before an evaluation is conducted. The evaluation process includes: the distribution and explanation of the Procedural Safeguards; screening of vision, hearing, and general physical condition; achievement and intelligence evaluations; other assessments as needed. The evaluation process is then followed by the determination of eligibility meeting; development of an Individualized Education Plan with parent/child; and placement in an appropriate program. This initial evaluation process is required to be completed within 60 days of receiving parental consent for the evaluation. Programs are offered for impairments/disabilities in the areas of: Autism, Emotional Disturbance, Hearing Impairment, Specific Learning Disability, Speech Language Impairment, Traumatic Brain Injury and Visual Impairment.
Homebound services can be arranged for children who meet the established criteria. Persons in need of more information are asked to contact Dr. Lori Wilcher, at 601-774-9579; email wilcherl@unionyellowjackets.org; or write to: UPSD, Post Office Box 445, Union, MS 39365.
