Special Services
Bonnie Violette, Special Education Director
Child Find: The Richmond School Department is required to locate, evaluate, and identify any child residing in Richmond who qualifies for special education services. Children eligible for special education include those children with disabilities who may have Autism, Deaf-Blindness, Emotional Disturbance, Hearing Impairment, Intellectual Disability, Multiple Disabilities, Orthopedic Impairment, Other Health Impairment, Specific Learning Disability, Speech or Language Impairment or Developmental Delay and who, because of such an impairment, may require special education services. If you would like additional information, please contact the Office of Special Education at 207-626-2126.
504 Notification: Children eligible for 504 accommodations or services include children who have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits a major life activity. If you would like additional information, please contact the school counselor at your child's school: Marcia Buker Elementary School 207-737-4748 or Richmond Middle High School 207-737-4348.
Special Education Laws:
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): IDEA is a federal law that ensures that students with disabilities receive a Free, Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) at no cost to parents to meet the unique needs of a child with a disability.
Maine Unified Special Education Regulation: Chapter 101 is the rule that governs the administration of the Child Find system for children ages three to twenty-two with disabilities and eligible children from birth through age 2 (B-2) with disabilities and their families. Public schools are responsible for the provision of special education and related services to eligible children ages five to twenty-two with disabilities. Children from birth to age five are served through Maine's Child Development Services.
Procedural Safeguards: Procedural safeguards describe the legal requirements that are included in IDEA and MUSER and explains the rights that parents/guardians or adult students have due to a disability.
Special Education Referral Process: A parent who has concerns about their child's educational progress or program should communicate the concerns to their child's teacher and/or building administrator. The parent, teacher, and building administrator will explore options for addressing the parent's concerns which may include classroom accommodations and/or a referral to the Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) team or Title 1 services at the school. Children who receive interventions through the MTSS team or Title 1 services, may be referred for special education evaluations if further information and/or services are needed.
The following links from the Center for Parent Information and Resources may be helpful in understanding the requirements and responsibilities of the special education process.
Individualized Educational Program
Supports, Modifications, and Accommodations
Resources for Parents: