Parent/Guardian Guide: Getting Help for Your Child at School - English
Parent/Guardian Guide: Getting Help for Your Child at School - Spanish

Any person aware of a child between the ages of birth through 21 who may be experiencing physical, mental, emotional or learning problems may contact the Director of Student Services to initiate screening services that will determine if a referral for special education is appropriate. In addition, any teacher or administrator would be able to assist in making a referral.

Screening includes: children who are new to the District, students currently enrolled, resident students attending a private school, and children below school age.

The school district solicits and receives referrals for students with suspected special education needs from all persons who have reasonable cause to believe that such needs exist. Specific state criteria will be adhered to in determining eligibility for specific disabilities. Referrals of suspected children with disabilities should be referred to the appropriate building principal, school psychologist or the Director of Student Services.

Special Education Resources

• Procedural safeguards (downloadable)

• Special Education and the Physician

• FERPA Notification

• Introduction to Special Education

• Special Education Evaluation Process

• Special Education in Plain Language

• Parent Support Groups

The District provides excellent services for students with disabilities in the following areas: 

• Emotional disturbance
• Learning disability
• Speech or language disorder
• Cognitive disability
• Visual impairment
• Hearing impairment
• Orthopedic impairment 
• Other health impairment
• Educational autism
• Traumatic brain injury

Autism Resources

• Autism Society of Wisconsin
• National Autism Association

Many parents ask about how the District works with students with Dyslexia. Dyslexia is one type of reading disability. Please keep in mind that even if a student has a medical diagnosis of Dyslexia, the student still has to meet the state criteria for a specific disability area.  The Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction recently created the Dyslexia Guidebook with some excellent resources.

Section 504 covers qualified students with disabilities who attend schools receiving Federal financial assistance. To be protected under Section 504, a student must be determined to: (1) have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities; or (2) have a record of such impairment; or (3) be regarded as having such an impairment. Section 504 requires that school districts provide a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) to qualified students in their jurisdictions who have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.

Many families ask about the difference between a Section 504 Plan and an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). A Section 504 plan specifically outlines accommodations a student needs to be successful in the regular education setting. An IEP outlines goals the student needs to meet, includes specialized instruction from a special education teacher, and accommodations the student needs in the regular education classroom.  

If you have further questions about Section 504 or would like to inquire about how to refer your child for a Section 504 evaluation, please reach out to the school psychologist in your child’s school or reach out to the Director of Special Education.
 
Section 504 is overseen by the Office of Civil Rights and they have a wealth of information on their website if you would like to read more about Section 504.

Students with special education needs are legally eligible to stay in school until age 21.  Some students with more significant disabilities benefit from transitional services that help them move into adult settings, which could include work or school-based settings.

Many agencies are involved in supporting students with special needs, including:
Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)
DVR Online Application
Aging and Disability Resource Center
Access to Independence
Family Support and Resource Center

Embark on the journey of planning after high school for students with disabilities.  Discover and network with various community and educational agencies as you and your child plan for life after high school. Wednesday, March 12th, 2025
5:00 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.
Waunakee Community High School Cafeteria 
Dinner provided 5:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m.
RSVP recommended

RSVP  (English) recommended - thank you for letting us know that you attending our Transition Fair.

RSVP - (Español) recomendado - gracias por informarnos que asistió a nuestra Feria de Transición.

Sessions: Choose 3 of the following 30 minute sessions

Madison Area Technical College:  Disability Resource Center 
Learn about the process for requesting accommodations at the college level and how MATC supports students with disabilities.

The Cutting Edge Program at Edgewood College
Learn about this unique program designed for students with disabilities to have a college experience, while still receiving daily support services. 

Aging Disabilities Resource Center (ADRC) 
The ADRC of Dane County is a great resource if you are trying to navigate the system of long term supports for your child with disabilities.  They also have a wealth of information and resources when it comes to other community based resources for students and adults with disabilities. 

Project Search at Sauk Prairie Healthcare
Learn about a unique program designed as an integrated employment opportunity for students with disabilities.  Project Search partners with school districts to provide a supported work environment, with a goal of employment beyond high school. 

Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)
DVR is an employment program that helps people with disabilities find jobs and get the support they need while on the job.  Students can enroll in DVR while they are in high school to begin accessing services.

Disability Rights Lawyer
Learn more from an attorney who represents parents and children with disabilities in a variety of matters, including guardianship.

For more information, please contact: 
Jerod Boyd, 6-12 Special Education Coordinator
Phone: 608-513-8319
Email: jerodboyd@waunakee.k12.wi.us