SB 464 - Under current law, the board of education of school districts in the state, except those school districts which are part of a special school district, are required to provide special educational services for children with disabilities three years old and up. This act provides that the board of education of each school district in the state may provide special educational related services of occupational therapy, physical therapy, speech language pathologist, assistive technology, and applied behavioral analysis services for children with disabilities between the ages of three and five if the child's parent requests such services. A school district providing such services shall receive funding in an amount per pupil calculated as described in the act. Local school districts may provide local funding in excess of the state funding.
Each local school district providing such services must engage in a planning process to design the service delivery system necessary to provide the required special education related services. The school district providing the services shall design a service delivery system which uses resources funded by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education and any local funding as may be provided. The service delivery system shall be limited to the related services outlined in the act.
Each local or special school district shall obtain diagnostic reports for each child with disabilities prior to assignment in a special program. In order for services to be provided, parents must provide or authorize the release of appropriate evaluations to the local school district.
Local districts providing special educational services shall provide transportation for eligible students in the same manner other students are transported.
The money appropriated for the costs required to fund special educational services shall not be less than $55 million annually.
JAMIE ANDREWS