Special Services
Carla Herrnberger
Director of Special Education
Director of Special Education
Our Commitment to You and Your Children
The Charleroi Area School District is committed to our Mission, Vision, and Shared Values. In keeping with those statements, we have embraced the responsibility, independence and contribution of our delivery of specialized instruction for students with disabilities.
We provide a continuum of special education and related services from Kindergarten through a child reaching the age of majority, age 22. We work collaboratively with many community agencies that are surely making an impact on our children and families. We are committed to the belief that all students want to learn; all people can learn. We share the value that learning is a lifelong process, and that valuing a young person enables them to be a contributing member of society. We are committed to the goal of providing our students with the skills needed to transition to adulthood with conviction, self-confidence and competence.
The Charleroi Area School District is also committed to meeting the needs of gifted students by ensuring that they are served through appropriate educational experiences. The Pennsylvania Department of Education defines gifted as follows: “Mentally gifted is defined as outstanding intellectual and creative ability, the development of which requires specially designed programs or support services , or both, not ordinarily provided in the regular education program.” We view each student as an individual having specific strengths and interests. We provide educational opportunities for an identified child with varied enrichment and acceleration options as well as other activities and events.
Special Education Change 2023
Policy Revision PDE has revised its guidance pertaining to INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES EDUCATION ACT PART B POLICIES AND PROCEDURES UNDER 34 CFR §§ 300.101—300.176 as follows: www.education.pa.gov/
The Commonwealth of Pennsylvania ensures that all children with disabilities ages 3 years through 21 years residing in Pennsylvania have the right to a FAPE, including children with disabilities who have been suspended or expelled from school. The commonwealth shall make FAPE available to a child with a disability eligible under IDEA until the student turns 22.
Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, a child eligible under IDEA who attains the age of twenty-one (21) years may remain enrolled in their resident district free of charge until their 22nd birthday.
PDE’s webpage contains the Amended Age-Out Policy, (attached), the Notice Letter (attached), and the Penn Link Communication (attached) on their websites.
The Charleroi Area School will provide FAPE in accordance with IDEA.
Questions or requests for assistance to RA-PDESPECIALED@pa.gov.