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Department of Special Education & Student Services

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Click on "Where's The Jacket" for your chance to win!

Locate the Ferndale Area Yellow Jacket within this Department of Special Education & Student Services Newsletter and submit your answer using the Google Form to be in the running for a gift card to Sheetz.


Deadline to apply: September 22, 2023.

Special Services Updates

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Tips for Accessing Special Education Documents & Electronic Signatures

  1. Update Contact Information
  2. Provide a Valid & Working Email Address (We do not sell or provide your information to other parties)
  3. Check Your Email Accounts When Meetings Are Completed
  4. Always Check Your Spam Folder (If you have not received documentation)
  5. Communicate With Your Child's Case Manager/Teachers

Penn Data Updates

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Things to Note

As of Wednesday, August 30th, the PA Department of Education announced a policy change that updated the education age range for students receiving special education services or Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE).


Prior to this announcement, students ages 3 through 21 covered under IDEA could remain enrolled in the district's educational programming as deemed appropriate by the multidisciplinary team. The new update states that students under IDEA are to be offered FAPE beginning at age 3 and up until the student's 22nd birthday as deemed appropriate by the team.

Parent Advocacy

Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) - Special Education

Pennsylvania Technical and Training Assistance Network (PaTTAN)

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)


Appalachia Intermediate Unit 8 (AIU8)

Department of Special Education & Student Services