Skip To Main Content

Special Education

Welcome! The Freeman Special Education Department is here to help every student learn, grow, and succeed in our schools.

Under Washington State law, every student with a disability has the right to a free, quality public education (FAPE) tailored to their unique needs.

What Is Special Education?

Special education is specially designed instruction (SDI) and related services provided at no cost to parents to meet the unique learning needs of a student with a qualifying disability.

Special education is not a place; it is a service designed to ensure students have full access to general education curriculum, accommodations, and support alongside their peers.

How Does a Student Qualify?

To recieve special education in Washington, a school and family collaborative team must agree on three things:

  1. Disability: The student has a physical, learning, health, or emotional disability.

  2. School Impact: The disability makes it hard for the student to learn or succeed at school.

  3. Need for Specially designed instruction: The student needs special teaching methods beyond regular classroom accommodations.

Note: A doctor’s diagnosis alone does not automatically mean a child gets special education, but it can help us understand their needs.

5 Simple Steps to Get Services

  1. Request (Referral): Anyone—parents, teachers, or doctor—can ask the school in writing to check if a student needs help.

  2. Testing (Evaluation): With parent permission and team agreement, school specialists test the student to see how they learn best.

  3. Decision: Parents and school staff meet to review tests and decide if the child qualifies for special education.

  4. The IEP Plan: If eligible, a team (including family) creates an Individualized Education Program (IEP). This written plan lists learning goals and the extra help your child will receive.

  5. Support Begins: The school provides the services. The team meets at least once a year to check progress and update goals.

IEP vs. 504 Plan: What’s the Difference?

  • IEP (Special Education): Changes what or how a child learns. It includes specialized lessons and goals.

  • 504 Plan: Changes how the environment works. It gives accommodations (like extra test time or sitting near the front) to give equal access to learning.

Parents Are Partners

You know your child best! As a parent, you have rights:

  • You must give permission before any testing or initial services begin.

  • You are an equal member of your child’s planning team.

  • You will get written notices before any changes are made to your child’s plan.

Need Help or Have Questions?

If you think your child needs extra support, please contact us!

IDEA: the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

**The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) requires schools to provide the parents/guardians of a student who is eligible for or referred for special education with a notice containing a full explanation of the rights available to them. Procedural Safeguards 2023