Special Education

A full continuum of special education and related services is available to all children who meet specific eligibility requirements. Culver School supports the intent of the federal and state mandate to meet student needs in the least restrictive environment (LRE) possible.

In meeting the requirements of LRE, our district supports inclusive instructional practices, which are designed to provide accommodations, modifications and/or special education services within the context of the general education setting. This commitment enables children to participate in and benefit from the general education curriculum as much as possible. If student needs warrant small-group resource instruction, this may be provided in another setting as appropriate.

The goal of special education and related services is to support each student and address the student’s individual needs. An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is developed in collaboration with parents, general education teachers and special education staff on a yearly basis. The IEP, which includes goals and benchmarks, is evaluated three times per year.

Special education instruction and related services are available for children with special needs from birth to age 21 (i.e., through the day before the student’s 22nd birthday).

Related Service Log Notice:  The District maintains related service logs that document the type and number of minutes of related service administered under a students individualized education plan (IEP).  These related service logs will be available to parents/guardians at a student's annual review IEP meeting. Parents/guardians may also request, at any time, a copy of any IEP related service log maintained for their child.  The school district will have 10 days to fulfill this request. Please direct any requests to the Director of Student Services, Laura S. Guarraci.

Interpreter at IEP Meeting: As the parent/guardian of a student eligible for an Individualized Education Program (“IEP”), you may request a District-provided interpreter at your student’s IEP meetings. Interpreters are available to parents/guardians whose native language is a language other than English or who are deaf. The District-provided interpreter may be a District employee or a third-party vendor, including a telephonic interpreter. 

Additionally, you may request the District-provided interpreter serve solely as the interpreter during the IEP meeting, rather than serving in multiple roles (e.g., interpreter and special education teacher). The District will make reasonable efforts to fulfill this request.

To request a District-provided interpreter at your student’s upcoming IEP meeting, please contact Laura S. Guarraci at lguarraci@niles71.org or via phone at 847-470-3405.

Please submit your request for an interpreter at least one week prior to your child’s scheduled IEP meeting. If you prefer the interpreter serve solely as the interpreter during the IEP meeting please include that information in your request.

If you have questions or concerns about the District’s interpretation services, please contact Laura S. Guarraci at lguarraci@niles71.org or via phone at 847-470-3405.

Procedural Safeguards in English

Procedural Safeguards in Spanish

Procedural Safeguards in Polish

Procedural Safeguards in Arabic

Educational Rights and Responsibilities:Understanding Special Education in Illinois

Derechos y responsabilidades educacionales:entendiendo la educación especial en Illinois “Guía para padres”