Parent Information

Services are provided in accordance with state and federal law (IDEA) governing the education of children with disabilities. Before any child is eligible to receive services, concerns about the child's educational progress must first be reviewed at a team conference, and a referral must be made for an evaluation. In Salida, the referral process is made as a team and is made as the result of a larger process called MTSS (multi tiered systems of support).  Students who do not make progress in MTSS are then referred to a more narrow process called RtI (response to intervention) to assess progress prior to moving to a Special Education Referral.  There are special allowances for other circumstances that may exist.  After a referral is in place, each child must receive a comprehensive, multidisciplinary evaluation by special services staff and by specialists and teachers in their home school.  Additionally, their educational needs must be determined, and they must be declared to possess a disability under rules for the administration of IDEA. An "Individual Educational Plan" (IEP) must be written in a due process meeting (called a "staffing") which includes parents, school administrators, specialists and also the child (when the child is fourteen years old or older). Professionals from the Office of Special Education participate in the evaluation and staffing process in addition to becoming involved in follow-up services for many children.  For more information click here.

Programs and Professional Services

Child Find - Every school district or Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) has professionals trained to evaluate young children’s development. This service is referred to as Child Find.  The purpose of the child find process is to determine whether a child has a need for early intervention or special education services.

SWAP (School to Work Alliance Program) - The purpose of SWAP is to assist young adults in making the transition from school to employment, provide successful employment outcomes, increase community linkages, and new patterns of service for young adults within all categories of disabilities. For More Information contact Audrey Gamach Email Audrey Gamach

SLP(Speech Language Services) - Two Speech-Language Pathologists make up the special services Speech-Language staff. Speech-Language Pathologists assess students expressive and receptive language as part of the evaluation process for special needs children. If students qualify for Speech-Language services then the Speech-Language Pathologist will provide services according to the student's plan. Salida Speech-Language team members may be reached individually by the email address provided below:
Email Stacy Follet
Email Jessica Swersky
Email Cara High

Physical Movement and Sensory Services - Physical Movement Services are provided by an Occupational Therapist, a part time physical therapists and a Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant. Services are available to children who have been evaluated as possessing physical disabilities or orthopedic problems which impair their ability to make progress in the general school environment. Improved access to the school environment and to the use of learning tools is the mission of our team. Our team provides both evaluation of children's needs and direct service in physical therapy and occupational therapy. Salida therapists may be reached individually by their email address provided below:
Deb Andres- Occupational Therapist- Email Deb Andres
Wendy Walters- Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant- Email Wendy Walter
Beth Sather- Physical Therapist- Email Beth Sather

Psychological Services - Salida Schools currently has 2 full-time and one part-time school psychologists who make up the special services psychological staff. The school psychologists serves as a designee for the Special Education Coordinator to determine eligibility and placement for children with suspected disabilities. School psychologists use ability tests to determine how children process information, and they also provide formal and informal evaluations of how children's emotions and behaviors might affect their school performance. evaluate child development and adaptive behavior. They conduct behavioral assessments and assist in the development of behavior plans for children with behavior problems. They consult with other professional staff, parents and school administration. Salida's school psychologists also facilitates counseling with children who have been placed in many of the district's special programs, and provides short-term individual counseling, crisis counseling and intervention when needed. Please reach out to Jessica Bena, Salida District School Psychologist- Email District School Psychologist with any questions. 

Social Work Services - Salida School District employs one full-time social workers in conjunction with the Chaffee County Department of Human Resources. Through the facilitation of short term group counseling, community and and classroom activities, the social work staff member provides liaison services to students and families who need additional resources throughout the community. They also provide consultative assistance to other professional staff, parents and school administration. Social workers network with outside agencies on behalf of children with disabilities. Short-term individual counseling, crisis counseling and intervention services are available when needed. Social workers provide backup coverage to the special services teams in each building, assisting with parent contacts and family assistance when requested. Our Salida social worker may be reached individually through the email below:
Email Derek See

Additional Resources

Mountain BOCES
Boards of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES) are an important and vital part of the public educational system in Colorado. BOCES services are those needed by children, their families, and school personnel, which can be more efficiently provided across school districts.

2-1-1 for Individuals with Special Needs
A new 211 for Children/Youth with Special Needs webpage has launched.

Reduced Admission to State Parks
Apply for a Columbine Pass which is for individuals with disabilities.  Get a reduced rate for entrance to all state parks! Click here for information!

Lifetime Fishing License
Those with disabilities are also able to get a Fishing License in Colorado that can last a lifetime!  Learn more here.

Enrich/Frontline Management System for Educators

For More Information - Contact the principal of your child's school.
Assistant Superintendent, William Wooddell,Email William Wooddell
Mountain BOCES Special Education Coordinator, Email LaRee Bearss
Mountain BOCES Executive Director,Email Susan Udenberg