At Vision Academy Charter School of Excellence, we are dedicated to ensuring that students with disabilities have equal access to educational and extracurricular opportunities. We achieve this through implementing individualized education plans (IEPs) or 504 plans. Vision Academy offers specialized services internally and collaborates with external providers, such as the Delaware County Intermediate Unit (DCIU), to ensure comprehensive support. Our Principal and Special Education Coordinator oversee the execution of IEPs and 504 plans, providing guidance to teachers and facilitating team teaching when necessary to ensure students receive the services outlined in their plans.
Identifying and Addressing Disabilities

We utilize the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) model to identify and refer students for special education services. Our Child Study Team, composed of the Special Education Coordinator, teachers, administrators, and service professionals, assesses concerns raised by teachers, parents, or guardians when a student encounters difficulties that may suggest a disability. The team thoroughly reviews data collected by the students’ teachers, observes the students in the learning environment, and implements a series of interventions. After documented intervention attempts, the Child Study Team may recommend a special education evaluation.

When identifying students in need, we provide special education services in compliance with federal and state laws. We prioritize integrating students with disabilities into classrooms alongside their non-disabled peers. Separation from the general education environment only occurs when the nature or severity of the disability warrants it, and we ensure that supplementary aids and services are provided satisfactorily.

Our commitment to inclusion extends to school activities, encouraging the involvement of students with disabilities in the entire school community.
Procedural Guidelines and Safeguards

We provide parents and guardians with procedural guidelines and safeguards and encourage them to review the Special Education Policies and Procedures Handbook approved by the board. The school principal is responsible for ensuring compliance with all laws and regulations regarding special education.
Testing

Vision Academy complies with all state testing requirements for students with disabilities. Our Special Education Coordinator collaborates with the Curriculum Director to ensure that students with disabilities taking the PSSA (Pennsylvania System of School Assessment) receive appropriate accommodations. We also inform parents and guardians about the scope of the PSSA and its interpretation.
Behavior Support Plans

In addition to working with students with disabilities, our Child Study Team addresses discipline, behavior, attendance concerns, and other obstacles to student success. Individualized behavior support plans are implemented across the curriculum to assist at-risk students. The team conducts behavior-focused IEP meetings when students with disabilities are identified as at-risk to revise their IEPs accordingly.

For more information, please get in touch with our principal at info@vacse.org. 

We are here to support the needs of all our students and their families.