• Below you will find important links for those seeking information about special services. Place your cursor on the heading and click.

    DESE Special Education Link
    The Department of Special Services provides instruction for all special education students who have disabilities, which adversely affects their educational performance. The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education has identified the following categories for special services:

    • Autism
    • Deaf/Blindness
    • Emotional Disturbance
    • Hearing Impairment and Deafness
    • Intellectual Disability
    • Multiple Disabilities
    • Orthopedic Impairment
    • Other Health Impairments
    • Specific Learning Disabilities
    • Speech or Language Impairment
    • Traumatic Brain Injury
    • Visual Impairment/Blind
    • Young Child with a Developmental Delay

    Preschool children, ages three through five, and students enrolled in kindergarten through twelfth grade, who are suspected of having disabilities which may require special education and related services, may be referred for screening and evaluation. Parents/guardians and school staff may refer a student for the evaluation process if a disability is suspected in one of the identified areas above.

    IDEA (Federal Government Site)
    IDEA ensures a free appropriate public education (FAPE) in the least restrictive environment for students with disabilities. The law directs that special education and related services be specifically designed to meet the unique needs of the student and to prepare him/her for transition for employment and independent living.