Special Education Services
The District provides and maintains appropriate and effective educational programs in order to afford every eligible child with a disability, who is enrolled in the District and requires special education and related services to address the adverse effect of the disability on his/her education, a free appropriate public education (FAPE).
Eldorado CUSD 4 Procedures for the Administration of Special Education Services - Coming Soon - Pending Board Approval
Wabash and Ohio Valley Special Education District
Eldorado CUSD 4is a member district of Wabash and Ohio Valley Special Education District (WOVSED).
WOVSED partners with its member school districts to provide and support special education programs, services, related services, professional expertise, and resources for students with disabilities.
Families may visit the WOVSED website for additional information about special education programs and services.
Wabash and Ohio Valley Special Education District
800 S. Division Street
Norris City, IL 62869
618-378-2131
Eldorado CUSD 4
Special Education Building Contacts
Elementary School
Shelia Foster
sfoster@eld4.org
Middle School
Tim Orr
torr@eld4.org
High School
Tracy Stafford
tstafford@eld4.org
PUNS – Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services
PUNS is a statewide database the IDHS Division of Developmental Disabilities uses to identify individuals with developmental disabilities that may need home and community-based waiver services now or in the future.
The Division of Developmental Disabilities funds services and supports for children and adults with developmental disabilities including residential supports, personal supports at home, activities during the day, supported employment, and more.
Wabash and Ohio Valley Special Education District Parent Resources
MTSS & Student Support
The District uses a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) to provide academic, behavioral, social-emotional, and other supports based on individual student needs.
● Child Study Team / Problem-Solving Team process
● Progress monitoring
● Research-based interventions
● Parent participation
Participation in MTSS does not prevent or delay a parent from requesting an evaluation for special education services.
Section 504
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities. Section 504 ensures that eligible students with disabilities have equal access to educational programs, services, and activities.
To request a 504 evaluation, parents may contact:
Tracy Stafford
tstafford@eld4.org
Val Hudgens
vhudgens@eld4.org
Often, parents are able to provide medical diagnosis and evaluations from their pediatrician or other medical professionals. The district will consider all evidence presented by the family as well as grades, test scores, and teacher input. The team, including the parents, will determine eligibility.
If eligible, the 504 plan will be developed and implemented. The plan will delineate the appropriate accommodations and services necessary for students with disabilities to participate in and benefit from public education programs and activities. A student may qualify for protections and accommodations under Section 504 even if the student does not qualify for special education services under IDEA. Section 504 plans will be reviewed annually and reevaluations will occur periodically.
ISBE Parent's Guide to Special Education in Illinois
ISBE Parent’s Guide - Chapter 15: Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Parent Rights & Resources
Eldorado CUSD 4 is committed to ensuring parents and guardians understand their rights and are able to participate fully in the special education process.
Illinois State Board of Education Resources
ISBE Notice of Procedural Safeguards for Parents/Guardians
The Procedural Safeguards explain the rights of parents and students under state and federal special education law.
ISBE Notice of Procedural Safeguards
ISBE Parent's Guide to Special Education in Illinois
This guide provides families with an understandable overview of special education eligibility, evaluations, IEPs, placement, services, parent participation, dispute resolution, and other important special education procedures.
ISBE Special Education Information for Parents/Guardians
ISBE maintains a parent resource page with special education guidance, resources, forms, and information for families.
ISBE Parents/Guardians Special Education Resources
Translation & Interpreter Services
Parents and guardians may request interpretation services and translated special education documents at no cost. Families needing an interpreter, translated document, or assistance accessing special education should contact the building contact listed above.
IL ABLE – Achieving a Better Life Experience
An IL ABLE Account is a tax-advantaged savings and investment account designed to help eligible individuals with disabilities and their families save money for disability-related expenses while maintaining greater financial independence.
Requesting an Evaluation
Parents, guardians, school personnel, and other appropriate individuals may request an evaluation when there is reason to believe a student may have a disability and may require special education and related services.
How to Request an Evaluation
● Who may request an evaluation: Parents, guardians, school personnel, and other appropriate individuals may request an evaluation when there is reason to believe a student may have a disability and may require special education and related services.
● How to submit a request: Submit a request in writing (letter or email) to the building special education contact listed above or to the building principal.
● Who to contact within the District:
Elementary School
Shelia Foster
sfoster@eld4.org
Middle School
Tim Orr
torr@eld4.org
High School
Tracy Stafford
tstafford@eld4.org
What happens after a request is received:
Within 14 school days after receiving a request for an evaluation, the District shall
determine whether an evaluation is warranted.
To determine if a child requires an evaluation, the District may utilize screening
data and/or conduct preliminary procedures such as observation of the child, review
of academic and behavioral data, consultation with the individual making
the request, or conference with the child.
If the District determines not to conduct an evaluation, it shall provide written
notice to the Parents.
If the District determines that an evaluation is appropriate, the District shall
convene a team of individuals (including the Parents) to identify the assessments
necessary to complete the evaluation.
Informed written consent shall be obtained from the Parent before an evaluation
is conducted.
● Overview of the evaluation process
The date of consent triggers the 60-school-day timeline for completion of the
evaluation and determination of eligibility. Eligibility for special education and
related services is determined on the basis of the assessment data, supporting
information collected by the IEP team, and information presented during the
meeting. If the IEP team determines that a student meets the eligibility criteria
and requires special education services, an IEP will be developed.
Notice of Procedural Safeguards for Parents/Guardians of Students with Disabilities (July 2026)
Behavior & Discipline
Behavior Intervention Policy
The District maintains policies and procedures regarding behavioral interventions for students with disabilities in accordance with applicable state and federal requirements.
District Behavior Intervention Policy:
Eldorado CUSD 4 Policy Manual
Discipline of Students with Disabilities
Students with disabilities are afforded the protections required under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Illinois law, and district policy when disciplinary action is considered.
District Student Discipline Policy/Handbook:
Building Handbooks
Parents who have questions regarding behavioral interventions or disciplinary protections for a student receiving special education services should contact the building principal.