SPECIAL PROGRAMS DEPARTMENT

Heather Ogden
Director of Special Programs
Kelso School District Office
601 Crawford Street
Kelso, Washington 98626
Phone: 360-501-1904
Fax: 360-501-1965

Laura Kiefer
Associate Director of Special Programs
Phone: 360-501-1904
Fax: 360-501-1965

Julie Chrest
Administrative Assistant
360-501-1909

Becky Kent
Secretary
360-501-1904

STUDENT RECORDS

If you are requesting student records, please fax release to 360-501-1965.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of Kelso Special Programs is to provide high quality education where every student receives the opportunity to empower themselves in pursuing their individual potential.

CHILD FIND INFORMATION

Kelso School District will ensure that all students with disabilities who are eligible from birth through 21 years of age, residing within our attendance area, have available to them a free and appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment. You can initiate a referral through your local schools. For children under school-age a screening appointment may be set by calling 501-1672.

Child Find Dates for 23-24 School Year:

September 20, 2023

October 25, 2023

November 29, 2023

January 10, 2024

March 6, 2024

April 17, 2024

PARENT AND STUDENT RIGHTS

Parents and students have rights related to special education. These rights are described in a document called the Procedural Safeguards. The Procedural Safeguards is a long, but very important document with which to become familiar. At minimum, review the table of contents. This way, if a dispute should occur between you and your district regarding your child’s educational program (including eligibility), you know the best place to begin your search for information about your rights regarding the particular issue you face. Click here for additional information.

Guidance for Families about Special Education Services

Family involvement has a positive impact on educational outcomes for all students. To support family involvement in special education, OSPI provides user-friendly information and resources on various special education topics.

Section 504

“No otherwise qualified individual with a disability in the United States…shall solely by reason of her or his disability, be excluded from the participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance….”

Statutes and Regulations – Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973

For more information regarding Section 504, please contact Student Services at 360-501-1905.

CRISIS PREVENTION INSTITUTE (CPI)TRAINING 

CPI is a worldwide training organization committed to best practices and safe behavior management methods that focus on prevention.

Kelso School District staff may contact Becky Kent for future training dates, times and locations (501-1904).