Special Education

The Monroe School District is committed to providing a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) to all students, age birth to 21, with disabilities in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Washington State law (RCW 28A.155). Our goal is to identify, evaluate, and support students with disabilities to ensure they receive the services and accommodations they need to succeed.

What We Offer

Our Special Education Department provides services for:

Infants and toddlers (Birth to Age 3)
Special Education Preschool & Transition to Kindergarten (Ages 3-4)
School-based special education services (PreK – Grade 12)
Community-Based Transition Program (Ages 18-21)

We ensure students receive individualized support in the least restrictive environment (LRE) possible, meaning they learn alongside their peers in their neighborhood school whenever appropriate. Depending on a student’s needs, services may be provided in:

General education classrooms with accommodations
Special education classrooms
Specialized programs outside of the district

Partnering with Families

We believe that parents and guardians are essential partners in their child’s education. Decisions about services and placement are made through the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process, where families collaborate with teachers and specialists to develop a plan tailored to their child’s needs.

Our Commitment

The Monroe School District is committed to ensuring that all students with disabilities:

Receive the support they need to achieve academically
Have access to high-quality educational opportunities
Are prepared for future employment and post-secondary education

Program & Services

Program & Services

Developmental Preschool

We offer developmental preschool programs for children who qualify for early learning special education. Classes are located at Frank Wagner Elementary. Parents who are concerned about the development of their preschool age child should contact Student Services at (360) 804.2600 for more information.

Structured Learning Center (SLC)

Our Structured Learning Center (SLC) is an educational program for students who require life skills support or multiple disabilities support. Structured Learning Centers are offered at the elementary, middle and high school levels. Qualifying students may also participate in the general education programs for academic, social, adaptive and emotional skill development to the extent determined by their Individualized Education Program (IEP). These students participate in alternative curriculum developed to address their specific educational and functional needs.

Resource Services

Resource services are available for general education students who qualify for supplemental special education services in all of our schools. These services are provided in conjunction with or in addition to the core general education curriculum. They support students' access and advancement in the grade level general education curriculum by providing services specific to the students’ needs in the Least Restrict Environment (LRE).

Positive Behavior Support

Our Positive Behavior Support (PBS) program is designed to support students in their social, emotional regulation and behavioral regulation skills in order to enable them to be successful in their classes and in the school environment. Each student receives small group instruction in grade level curriculum along with focused positive behavioral skill building.

Community-Based Transitions Program (18-21 years)

The Community Based Program serves students ages 18-21 who require intensive support and instruction as they transition out of our schools and into the community. The program is located at the Sky Valley Education Center, although students spend a great deal of time in community settings practicing social and pre-vocational skills.

Related Services

We offer additional support for qualifying students who have delays in the following areas:

Speech & Language Pathology
Vision Services
Physical Therapy
Occupational Therapy

IEP ONLINE PARENT PORTAL MANUAL

How to Request an Evaluation

Parents and guardians who believe their child may need special education services can request an evaluation at any time. To start the process:

Contact your child's teacher, school counselor, or principal.
Submit a written request for an evaluation to one of our Student Services staff members, listed below.
The school district will review the request and determine the next steps in the evaluation process.

Parent and Student Rights

Families have the right to:

Request an evaluation for special education services.
Be involved in the development of their child’s IEP.
Receive services in the least restrictive environment (LRE) possible.
Access dispute resolution options if concerns arise.

For more details on your rights under IDEA and Washington State law, visit:

U.S. Department of Education – IDEA Website
OSPI Special Education Resources

CONTACT US

We are here to support every learner and ensure all students receive the education and services they need to thrive.

Camille House, Student Services Support
housec@monroe.wednet.edu
(360) 804-2600

Kathy Ablutz, Student Services Coordinator
ablutzk@monroe.wednet.edu
(360) 804-2601

Shalla Mirkhani, Special Education Teacher on Special Assignment (TOSA)
mirkhanis@monroe.wednet.edu
(360) 804-2604

Joy Castillo, Student Services Director
castilloj@monroe.wednet.edu
(360) 804-2603

David Paratore, Chief Student Services Officer
paratored@monroe.wednet.edu
(360) 804-2609

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