SEARCHING FOR CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS
The West Central School District conducts opportunities for the purposes of locating, evaluating and identifying students ages birth to 21 with suspected disabilities and who reside within the district’s boundaries. Early identification of disabilities assists parents, students and schools in the design of appropriate educational services.​ Many children and youth have academic, physical, mental, or emotional challenges that make it difficult for them to be part of a school program without special help. If you suspect your child or any child has a developmental delay or disability, please call the Director of Special Services at 605-528-3217 to make a referral for a screening or full evaluation as determined necessary by trained and qualified staff. District staff will work with you to discuss the educational needs of your child and determine a process of how to help your child receive the most appropriate educational program in the West Central School District. 
 
​
IF YOUR CHILD IS AGES ZERO THROUGH FOUR
Children that are the age of birth through age four who may be experiencing delays in the development of speech and language, emotional and/or social, cognitive, physical development or have a disability are eligible to receive services through our Early Childhood Special Education program. 
 
The West Central School District offers an annual screening clinic for children to provide information to parents on school-related development. Parents are encouraged to take advantage of this FREE service, especially if you have questions regarding your child’s development. Vision, language, articulation, cognitive development, hearing, and motor coordination screening is provided, as well as information on how well your child is doing with language, learning and behavior skills.
​
Our Early Childhood Screening is held annually, in September.  Call 605-528-3217 for more details.
 
IF YOUR CHILD IS IN SCHOOL
If your child is in school and you believe a disability may impair his/her educational performance, you will be provided further information so you can decide whether to formally refer your child for a special education evaluation. Contact your child’s teacher, a building principal, or the Director of Special Services at 605-528-3217.