Exceptional Student Services

Welcome to the Exceptional Student Services Department (ESS). We are dedicated to developing, supporting and implementing exceptional programs for all areas of need from early childhood through adulthood. We collaborate with parents, students, teachers and staff to encourage and increase student success. Working together ensures a positive outcome for all students.

Keri Gregory
Director of Exceptional Student Services

AnnMarie Callahan
ESS Manager

Amy Killion
Program Assistant

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What to Do if You Have Academic Concerns

Everyone learns differently, and with areas of strength and areas of weakness. Some students have such weaknesses that make it difficult for them to access the general education curriculum, interfering with their academic progress. The Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) is a federal law that sets guidelines for schools to ensure all students receive a Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE), as required by law. Below is a brief description of the process for providing a student with special education services.

The special education process is long and complicated. It is designed to take a thorough look into significantly struggling students to gain a better understanding of exactly where they are struggling and why. When we have this specific understanding of students, we can figure out how best to meet their needs. It can be a very intimidating experience for students and families, but the teachers and special education teams work hard to help families through each step with the ultimate goal of creating happy, self-confident life-long learners.

Special Education is defined by specially designed instruction developed to meet the unique needs of a student with a disability. Students with disabilities are those students evaluated and found eligible as having;

Autism
Development Delay (until age 10)
Emotional Disability
Hearing Impairment
Mild/Moderate Intellectual Disability
Multiple Disabilities
Multiple Disabilities with Severe Sensory Impairment
Orthopedic Impairment
Other Health Impairments
Preschool Severe Delay
Specific Learning Disability
Speech/Language Impairment (including preschool age)
Severe Intellectual Disability
Traumatic Brain Injury
Visual Impairment

Special Education Services

Adaptive Physical Education
Orientation & Mobility
Behavior Management
Academic - Social Emotional
High School Transition Specialists
Hearing Impaired
Vision Impaired
Speech-Language Therapy
Occupational and Physical Therapy
Preschool Program (Developmental Preschool DPS)

Destruction of Records

Special Education records are destroyed four (4) years after a student has withdrawn, transferred, graduated or been exited from special education services at Cave Creek Unified School District. This year, we will be destroying the records of students who left the district or exited services in the 2019-2020 school year. If you are a parent or student and need a copy of your student’s special education records for any reason, e.g., social security benefits, please contact Amy Killion in the Special Education department at (480) 575-2013 or email akillion@ccusd93.net

Developmental Preschool

Welcome to Developmental Preschool (DPS). Our District Program serves families living within our District boundaries. The program implements a developmentally appropriate curriculum that meets the individual needs of each student in accordance with eligible services. The focus is on the development of the whole child in a cognitively rich and responsive environment. Every child in our program has the opportunity to participate in a variety of active learning experiences that foster cognitive, social, emotional and physical growth. Our preschool classrooms create an environment that promotes independence, fosters decision-making and encourages involvement of children and families.

Rachel Bulley
Preschool Registrar and Assistant

480-575-2435

CHILD FIND OFFERS FREE DEVELOPMENTAL SCREENINGS

Cave Creek Unified School District shall make available an educational program for preschool children with disabilities who reside in the school district and who are not already receiving services that have been provided through the department of education. All school districts are required to cooperate, if appropriate, with community organizations that provide services to preschool children with disabilities in the provision of the district's preschool program for children with disabilities.

The Cave Creek Unified School District is currently scheduling appointments for parents who are concerned about their preschooler’s educational development. Child Find, a federally mandated screening program for preschool children, conducts activities to identify, locate and evaluate children with disabilities.

A "Preschool child" means a child who is at least three years of age but who has not reached the required age for kindergarten, subject to section § 1577 1, subsection F. For purposes of this section, "preschool child" means a child
who is at least three years of age but who has not reached the age required for kindergarten. A preschool child is three years of age as of the date of the child's third birthday. The governing board of a school district may admit otherwise eligible children who are within ninety days of their third birthday, if it is determined to be in the best interest of the individual child.

All families living within the District’s boundaries with children who may be in need of special education or related services are encouraged to take advantage of this free screening.

To schedule a screening, please contact:

Rachel Bulley
Program Assistant- DPS

480-575-2435
email: rbulley@ccusd93.net