Special Education

The Lancaster Central School District is committed to providing a quality education that appropriately meets the needs of all students. The information provided below will provide an overview of the services that the Pupil Personnel Office and Special Education Department provide as well as who to contact to get more specific information. Our department strives to provide balanced supports for every student to ensure the delivery of a free appropriate public education in the least restrictive setting.

Response to Intervention (RtI) Process

All Lancaster Schools follow a Response to Intervention (RtI) model to identify and support students with potential learning challenges. The process includes:

1. Screening students for learning difficulties.
2. Providing targeted academic interventions.
3. Monitoring progress and adjusting interventions as needed.

If a student does not respond adequately to these interventions, the building principal may submit a referral for an initial evaluation. This evaluation may involve professionals such as school psychologists, speech therapists, or other specialists. The Committee on Special Education (CSE) then reviews the evaluation, assesses the student’s progress, and determines whether the student has a disability. If so, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is created to outline accommodations, programs, and services.

Available Services

The district offers a comprehensive range of evaluations, related services, and programs, including:

• Speech & Language Therapy
• Occupational Therapy
• Physical Therapy
• Counseling
• Consultant Teacher Services
• Resource Room Services
• Transition Services
• Self-contained Classrooms
• Home or Hospital Instruction
• Hearing & Vision Services
• Psycho-Educational Evaluations

Preschool Special Education

The Committee on Preschool Special Education (CPSE) identifies preschool students (ages 3–4) with disabilities and coordinates special education services to meet their needs.