Academic-Support Team

Collection of certified special education, teachers, and talented interventionists who meet the needs of all students with disability plans or other impairments.

In Colorado, students are evaluated for special-education services through a comprehensive process governed by both federal law (IDEA) and state regulations:

• Referral and Consent: The process begins when a parent/guardian, teacher, or other qualified professional refers a child for evaluation due to concerns about the child's learning or development. Parents/guardians must provide written consent before any evaluation can begin.
• Comprehensive Evaluation: Colorado requires a full and individual evaluation conducted by a multidisciplinary team. This evaluation must:
  • Use a variety of assessment tools and strategies to gather relevant functional, developmental, and academic information
  • Assess the child in all areas related to the suspected disability (cognitive, behavioral, physical, and developmental domains)
  • Not use any single measure or assessment as the sole criterion for determining eligibility
  • Be conducted by trained and knowledgeable personnel using technically sound instruments
• Eligibility Determination: Within 60 calendar days of receiving parental/guardian consent, the evaluation team must determine whether the child has a disability under one of the 13 IDEA categories (such as specific learning disability, autism, serious emotional disability, etc.) and whether the child needs special education services as a result.
  The team, which includes the parents/guardians, reviews all evaluation data to determine if the child meets Colorado's eligibility criteria. The child must have a qualifying disability and require specially designed instruction to receive special education services.
• IEP Development: If eligible, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is developed within 30 days of the eligibility determination, outlining the student's specific educational needs, goals, and services.
  Colorado emphasizes parental/guardian participation throughout this entire process and ensures evaluations are conducted without bias regarding race, culture, or language.

An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is based on eligibility requirements established by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). A disability must significantly and adversely affect a child’s ability to demonstrate academic achievement.

To qualify for an IEP, the student is assessed by a team of professionals, an evaluation is conducted, and a report is then created.  A meeting is held to discuss the results of the evaluation and determine eligibility. If you believe your student requires special education services in order to receive a Free and Appropriate Education (FAPE), please contact your school’s Academic-Support-Team Coordinator to initiate the eligibility process. Please be prepared to share how your child’s education is being impacted by their disability. 

You can learn more about the special education process on the Colorado Department of Education’s website.

Colorado Department of Education

• An IEP (Individualized Education Program) provides specialized education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) for students who have been found eligible under one of the 13 IDEA disability categories. An IEP outlines the student's specific needs, goals, services, and participation with non-disabled peers. An IEP is a special education process.
• A 504 Plan provides accommodations and support for students with disabilities under the Rehabilitation Act to ensure equitable access to the general education curriculum. A 504 Plan does not require specially designed instruction. In PSD, a 504 Plan is a general education process.

Please contact the child’s case manager listed on the IEP.  It’s typically Matthew Kazy for Plato campus, Katie Snyder for the Aristotle campus, Emma Lombardi at Liberty Common High School, and Janice Garland for Liberty Common Junior High School.  Families who have not yet registered or been enrolled could contact our school psychologist Mike Crane if they have general questions.