Special Education Parent Information

Contact: Dr. Melissa Holler, Special Education Supervisor 
Phone: 724-274-5300, option 3, option 3
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Welcome to the Allegheny Valley School District Special Education Department

The Allegheny Valley School District provides a free appropriate public education (FAPE) to students with disabilities in accordance with federal and state regulations. Children ages 3-21 must be eligible for special education services, meeting the eligibility criteria of having a disability as defined by the Pennsylvania Department of Education and being in need of specially designed instruction. Pennsylvania State Standards in Chapter 14 of the Pennsylvania School Code identify the following as areas of disability: Autism, Deaf/Blindness, Visual Impairment including Blindness, Hearing Impairment including Deafness, Mental Retardation, Multiple Disabilities, Orthopedic Impairment, Emotional Disturbance, Specific Learning Disability, Other Health Impairment, Traumatic Brain Injury, and Speech & Language Impairment.

Allegheny Valley School District protects the confidentiality of personally identifiable information regarding exceptional and protected handicapped students in accordance with state and federal law and the District's student records policy.

The Special Education Process includes the development of an Evaluation Report (ER) and an Individualized Education Program (IEP). The IEP team determines the level and location of special education services. All students in need of special education services are provided services through district, intermediate unit, private and approved private school programs.

The Allegheny County Family Resource Guide
This site provides a compilation of services, systems and resources especially for families of children birth to 21 with developmental delays, special health care needs or disabilities. This online resource provides:

• A comprehensive guide to medical, therapeutic, educational, and family support services.
• Parent-friendly information to help you find the services your child needs.
• Help to navigate the “systems” that serve your child.
• Top 10 questions families ask about special needs supports including Medicaid (Medical Assistance), waiver, wraparound, transportation, disability laws, home health care, parent support, therapies, funding resources and social security.