Special Education
Welcome to Special Education at Potterville Public Schools
At Potterville Public Schools, we are committed to providing a robust continuum of special education services and supports designed to meet the unique needs of every learner. Our philosophy is rooted in the belief that all students can succeed when they receive the right supports, in the right setting, at the right time. From early childhood programs to transition-level opportunities, our goal is to ensure access, opportunity, and meaningful progress for students with disabilities across our district.
Our Programs and Services
We offer a diverse range of programs and services tailored to student needs, including inclusive classroom supports, specialized instruction, related services such as speech-language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, behavioral supports, and peer-based initiatives like our LINKS program. The LINKS program partners students with and without disabilities to foster inclusive relationships, support peer mentoring, and enhance engagement and social-emotional growth in our high school community. These services reflect our commitment to both academic and personal-social growth, helping students thrive as individuals and members of our school community.
Partnership with Eaton RESA
To expand our capacity and deepen our expertise, we subcontract with Eaton RESA for specialized supports and services including (but not limited to) assistive technology consultation, autism spectrum disorder (ASD) consultation, physical and occupational therapy coordination, speech-language pathology services, behavioral intervention consulting, and transition planning for post-secondary readiness. This partnership ensures that our students benefit from both district-based supports and regional expertise, enabling access to advanced resources and high-quality programming.
Individualized Assessment and Planning
Every student’s journey begins with a thoughtful evaluation and continues with dynamic support planning. Our team undertakes comprehensive assessment-academic, cognitive, behavioral, social-emotional, and functional, to build a clear profile of student strengths and needs. We then develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP) tailored to those needs, with measurable goals, evidence-based strategies, and progress monitoring. We maintain strong collaboration with families, teachers, related service providers, and other stakeholders to review data, adjust supports, and refine the plan as student needs evolve or new information arises.
Ensuring the Least Restrictive Environment
In line with state and federal law, our primary objective is to support students in their least restrictive environment (LRE), meaning we work to provide access to general education settings with appropriate supports whenever feasible. Our continuum of services allows flexibility, whether a student needs supplemental supports, small-group instruction, specialized classrooms, or community-based transition services. We engage in ongoing reflection and data review to ensure that placement decisions maximize student participation, peer interaction, and engagement while meeting individual needs.
Partnering with Families and Community
We view parent and caregiver partnership as essential to student success. From initial referrals to annual reviews, we strive for transparent communication, shared decision-making, and educational empowerment. We encourage families to ask questions, explore their child’s rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and join us in a collaborative planning process.
