Special Education Services

• Sunset Ridge District 29 is committed to the free and appropriate public education (FAPE) of all students with disabilities who reside within District boundaries and may be eligible for special education and/or related services as required by Article 14 of the Illinois School Code, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and the Americans with Disabilities Act. 

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• Any child, from birth through age 21, who is a resident of the District, is eligible for special education services. District 29 works cooperatively with TrueNorth Educational Cooperative 804 to provide a continuum of special education and related services specialized programs for children who are eligible for special education services. A student may be eligible for special education and related services if he or she has a disability that impacts educational performance.

• Parent(s)/guardian(s) who believe their child may require special education services should contact the building Principal or the Director of Student Services. Requests for a full and individualized case study evaluation must be provided to the District in writing. If it is determined that a case study evaluation is needed to determine eligibility for special education services, parent(s)/guardian(s) will be required to consent to a case study evaluation. Parent(s)/guardian(s) have the right to a report of the evaluation information and to attend any meetings to determine eligibility for services. 

For children under the age of 3, screening appointments are available in collaboration with TrueNorth. Contact the Director of Student Services for more information at 847-881-9400. For children grades 9-12, contact New Trier High School. 

In Sunset Ridge District 29, services are provided for children who qualify for an Individual Education Plan through the following eligibility categories:

• Autism
• Cognitive Disability
• Deaf-Blindness
• Deafness
• Developmental Delay (ages 3-9)
• Emotional Disability
• Hearing Impairment
• Multiple Disabilities
• Orthopedic Impairment
• Other Health Impaired
• Specific Learning Disability
• Speech and Language Impairment
• Traumatic Brain Injury
• Visual Impairment

The Illinois State Board of Education has published a comprehensive guide to Understanding Special Education in Illinois. Click here for that resource: ISBE Parent Guide