Special Education
At Public Schools of Petoskey, we are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment where every student can thrive. Our Special Education Department is committed to providing personalized educational programs tailored to meet the unique strengths and needs of each learner.
We believe in collaboration, respect, and empowerment, working closely with families, educators, and specialists to ensure that all students receive the resources and opportunities necessary to achieve their fullest potential. Through thoughtful planning, innovative strategies, and compassionate support, we strive to create a community where diversity is celebrated and all students are valued.
We invite you to explore the programs and services we offer and to partner with us in supporting the success and growth of every child!
If you have concerns about your child, please reach out to any of the following individuals for support:
- Your child’s teacher
- The school counselor
- The building principal
- The Director of Special Education
Child Find
What is Child Find?
In accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Michigan law, public school districts are legally obligated to identify, locate, and evaluate all individuals aged birth to 26 who reside within their boundaries and are suspected of having a disability. The Public Schools of Petoskey actively collaborates with medical providers and community agencies to support the identification of children and young adults with potential educational or developmental needs, ensuring access to appropriate services and supports.
How does Child Find Work?
Schools collaborate closely with community service agencies, parents, and other organizations and providers to identify children who may have suspected disabilities. This includes outreach to students enrolled in private schools, those who are homeschooled, and children experiencing homelessness.
The Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education (MARSE) defines the eligibility criteria for special education services and outlines 13 disability categories, aligned closely with the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Below are the official disability categories under MARSE:
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- Cognitive Impairment (Mild, Moderate, Severe) (CI)
- Deaf or Hard of Hearing (DHH)
- Early Childhood Developmental Delay (ECDD) (for children ages 3 through 7)
- Emotional Impairment (EI)
- Other Health Impairment (OHI)
- Physical Impairment (PI)
- Severe Multiple Impairments (SXI)
- Specific Learning Disability (SLD)
- Speech and Language Impairment (SLI)
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Visual Impairment Including Blindness (VI)
- Deaf-Blindness (DB)
Each category has specific eligibility criteria as outlined in the MARSE rules and must be determined through a comprehensive evaluation by a multidisciplinary evaluation team (MET). To service these students, the Special Education Department consists of a team of professionals including Special Education Teachers, Speech-Language Pathologists, Social Workers, Occupational Therapists, Physical Therapists, and Paraeducators. Programs and Services are provided in accordance with each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) based on their individual needs.
Educational Teams and Roles
For more information on special education programs and services visit:
Family Matters
Family Matters is an outreach effort from the Michigan Department of Education, Office of Special Education (MDE OSE) and is intended to enhance public understanding of Michigan's special education system and is not a substitute for official laws and regulations.
The numerous fact sheets explain special education and Section 504 laws, rules, and practices. The documents are easy to read and give links to more in-depth resources.
Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA)
The IDEA is a law that makes available a free appropriate public education to eligible children with disabilities throughout the nation and ensures special education and related services to those children.
Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education (MARSE)
The MARSE outlines specific requirements regarding how special education is to be implemented in Michigan. Michigan rules are aligned to federal regulations. This document contains the Michigan rules and relevant federal regulations.
Procedural Safeguards Notice
The IDEA includes a set of procedural safeguards designed to protect the rights of students with disabilities and their parents. The document is available in English and several other languages.
Section 504
In accordance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, we are committed to ensuring that individuals with disabilities have equal access to all programs, services, and activities. If you or your child require accommodations or support due to a disability, please contact our Section 504 Coordinator for assistance and more information.
