NOTICE OF SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES & PROGRAMS — CHILD FIND
Lehigh Valley Charter High School for the Arts
Special Education Office
321 East Third Street, Bethlehem, PA 18015
Phone: 610-868-2971
This notice is provided annually in accordance with Pennsylvania and federal special education regulations, including the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Its purpose is to:
- Locate, and evaluate all children and youth (ages 3 to 21) suspected of having disabilities, including those attending private schools, students experiencing homelessness, and those domiciled within the school’s boundaries.
- Inform parents/guardians of the availability of special education and Section 504 services and how to request them.
Child Identification & Disabilities Covered
Under IDEA (Chapter 14), Charter Arts follows state-mandated procedures to identify students who may have one or more of the following disabilities:
- Autism
- Deaf-Blindness
- Deafness
- Emotional Disturbance
- Hearing Impairment
- Intellectual Disability
- Multiple Disabilities
- Orthopedic Impairment
- Other Health Impairment
- Specific Learning Disability
- Speech or Language Impairment
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Visual Impairment (including Blindness
Screening also includes indicators of giftedness where applicable; however, please note that Pennsylvania Charter School Law does not require the honoring of Gifted Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
Public Outreach & Awareness
Charter Arts engages in ongoing public awareness activities to ensure families, educators, and the broader community are informed about available services, including:
- Annual notices published through local newspapers, electronic media, and school newsletters.
- Information posted in the school handbook and on the school website, including signs of developmental delays and how to request evaluations.
- Direct outreach to private schools and community organizations serving children in nonpublic settings or experiencing homelessness.
Evaluation Requests & Procedures
Parent-Initiated Evaluations
Parents/guardians may submit a written request at any time for a comprehensive evaluation. Within 10 calendar days of receiving the request, the school will respond by issuing a “Permission to Evaluate” form and a Procedural Safeguards Notice. If the request is denied, the school must issue a Prior Written Notice explaining the decision.
School-Initiated Evaluations
If school personnel suspect a disability, they will seek parental consent using the same evaluation request process. All evaluations must be completed within 60 calendar days (excluding summer months) after consent is obtained.
Confidentiality of Information
All information collected during screening and evaluation is treated as confidential and protected under federal and state law, including:
- FERPA (Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act)
- IDEA
- Section 504
- Pennsylvania Child Protective Services Law, where applicable
Charter Arts maintains secure practices in storing, sharing, and accessing student information.
Section 504 Service Agreements
Students who have disabilities that substantially limit one or more major life activities, but who do not qualify for special education under IDEA, may receive accommodations under Section 504 (Chapter 15). A Section 504 Service Agreement is developed by a team that may include:
- The student (when appropriate)
- Parents/Guardians
- Section 504 Coordinator
- Assistant Principal
- General Education Teachers
- Other relevant staff
Services are provided at no cost to families.
Related Services
Eligible students may receive related services to support their IEP goals. These services may include, but are not limited to:
- Speech-Language Pathology
- Psychological Services
- Occupational Therapy
- Physical Therapy
- Counseling
- Assistive Technology
- School Nursing
- Social Work
- Orientation and Mobility Services
These services may be delivered by school staff or through partnerships with Colonial Intermediate Unit 20.
Student Support Team (SST), MTSS, and Pre-Referral Supports
Charter Arts utilizes a Student Support Team (SST) and a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) to address students’ academic, social, emotional, and behavioral needs. The SST may include administrators, counselors, nurses, social workers, and other staff. Students may be referred by staff, families, or through data-based indicators. If concerns persist after intervention, the SST may recommend a formal evaluation.
Contact Information
For more information about Child Find, evaluation procedures, or special education and Section 504 services, please contact:
Jennifer Hoffman
Coordinator of Special Education
Phone: 610-868-2971
Email: jhoffman@charterarts.org
If you need this notice explained in another language or format, or require interpretation services, please contact us. Translation and interpretation services are provided at no cost.
