Special education is the individually planned and systematically monitoring arrangement of teaching procedures, adapted equipment and materials, accessible settings, and other interventions designed to help learners with special needs achieve the greatest possible personal self-sufficiency and success in school and community.
Our special education program provides a continuum of services to students with special needs who require specially designed instruction which include but are not limited to learning support, emotional support and speech and language support. A certified special education teacher supports students within the general education classes by collaborating and/or co-teaching with the general education
teachers. In accordance with mandated pandemic health and safety protocols and restrictions, UPCCS K-5 also provides related services such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech, and language support, and transportation required for the student to benefit from the special education program.
To identify a student with a disability, various screening activities are conducted. When screening results suggest a student might be a student in need of specially designed instruction, the multi- disciplinary team will provide Permission to Evaluate (PTE) form to the parent/guardian. A team composed of school staff and the parent/guardian gathers information for the evaluation. The evaluation report (ER) is written and reviewed by the team. If it is determined the child has a disability and also has a need for specially designed instruction, an individualized education plan (IEP) is developed. The IEP Team will determine the type of special education services and the amount of support needed to provide a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE).
Parents who think their child may have a disability or may be eligible for special education may request, at any time, that UPCCS K-5 conduct a Multidisciplinary Evaluation. Requests for a Multidisciplinary Evaluation must be made in writing to the Director of Special Education of UPCCS K-5 at 925 Penn Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15222. We highly recommend prior to enrolling your child that you contact the Director of Special Education at (412) 325-4075 to discuss your child’s current Individual Education Program and a further explanation of the special education offerings at the school.
A copy of the Annual Public Notice of Special Education Services and Programs and Rights for Students with Disabilities and Notification of Rights under the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act is posted to the School’s website and copies are maintained in the School’s main office.