Every child deserves the opportunity to succeed academically, regardless of their individual challenges. The Special Services department at Tahlequah Public Schools works to ensure that children with special needs receive the support they need by identifying students who may require special education services.
Tahlequah Public Schools is dedicated to locating, identifying, and evaluating district children who may have disabilities and need special education services. Under federal law, Oklahoma schools are required to provide services to children from birth through age 21 who have disabilities that affect their ability to learn. This includes a wide range of disabilities, such as developmental delays, autism, intellectual disabilities, speech-language impairments, and learning disabilities.
Early identification of children who need special education services is crucial for providing the most appropriate support. Tahlequah Public Schools collaborates with parents, community organizations, and healthcare providers to find children who may not yet be receiving the services they need. Services are available for children ages 3 to 21, and children under the age of 3 may be eligible for early intervention programs through the state’s Infant and Toddler program, Sooner Start. When a disability is identified, an individual educational plan (IEP) may be developed for the child. This plan outlines the child’s educational needs and the services they will receive, ensuring that all students have access to a high-quality education that supports their unique learning requirements.
Tahlequah Public Schools offers a broad range of special education services, including speech therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy. These services are designed to meet the specific needs of each child, and they are provided based on the results of the child’s evaluation and IEP. In addition to direct services, TPS aims to provide resources and information to families to help them better understand their child’s needs while working to ensure that families are aware of available services and how to access them.
Parents and guardians in Tahlequah who suspect their child may have a disability or developmental delay are encouraged to reach out to their student’s classroom teacher, school counselor, or the Special Services department at the Board of Education office for assistance. Each school site has resources for referrals, evaluations, and the development of an IEP.
Through the special education program, Tahlequah Public Schools is taking important steps to ensure that all children, regardless of their abilities, have access to the educational services and support they need to thrive.
TPS is also proud to employ six school nurses across the district. Every day, school nurses manage a wide variety of health-related issues. From administering medications to helping students manage allergies, asthma, and diabetes, nurses are on the front lines of student health. They are responsible for responding to emergencies, providing first aid, and offering support to students dealing with illness or injury. Nurses also monitor students for signs of illness, including outbreaks of contagious diseases, helping to keep the school community safe. TPS is thankful to these hardworking professionals for their service to our students and staff as well as their assistance in providing a supportive, nurturing environment where students feel safe and cared for.
Written by: Melissa Dotson, SPED Coordinator