Special Education at Chandler Park Academy
Programs and Services
At Chandler Park Academy, our Special Education Department provides a comprehensive system of supports designed to meet the individual needs of students with disabilities. Guided by the principle of the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), we ensure that each student receives tailored services and accommodations while participating meaningfully with general education peers.
Our offerings include speech and language therapy, school social work, occupational and physical therapy, academic interventions, behavioral supports, and assistive technology. These services are delivered by a collaborative team of special education teachers, related service providers, and paraprofessionals who work alongside families and general education staff to develop and implement high-quality Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
In addition to in-district services, Chandler Park Academy partners with Wayne RESA to provide access to center-based programs for students whose needs require a more specialized setting. These programs are located within Wayne County and are coordinated to ensure students have equitable access to the full continuum of services in compliance with IDEA and state law.
View the Wayne RESA ISD Plan for Special Education for more information on regional supports.
Child Find Notice
Chandler Park Academy is committed to identifying, locating, and evaluating all children with disabilities from birth through age 26 who may need special education and related services, regardless of the severity of their disability. This includes students enrolled in our schools, those in private schools within our boundaries, and students who are homeless, highly mobile, or wards of the state.
In compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, we ensure access to a free appropriate public education (FAPE) by providing timely evaluations, support services, and specially designed instruction. If you believe your child may have a disability or is struggling academically, behaviorally, or socially, you have the right to request an evaluation at any time.
To support this effort, Chandler Park Academy has established clear Child Find and Evaluation Procedures, which outline how we identify, locate, and evaluate students who may be eligible for special education services under IDEA. These procedures help ensure that all students in need are appropriately supported.
View/Download: CPA Child Find and Evaluation Procedures
For questions or to initiate an evaluation, please contact the Chandler Park Academy Department of Special Education.
What is a Specific Learning Disability (SLD)?
A Specific Learning Disability (SLD) is defined under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) at 34 CFR § 300.8(c)(10) as a disorder in one or more of the basic psychological processes involved in understanding or using spoken or written language. This may impact a student’s ability to listen, think, speak, read, write, spell, or perform mathematical calculations. Examples include dyslexia, perceptual disabilities, brain injuries, and developmental aphasia.
To qualify under this category, the disability must significantly affect academic performance and cannot be primarily due to vision, hearing, or motor impairments; intellectual disabilities; emotional disturbance; or environmental, cultural, or economic disadvantage. Chandler Park Academy is committed to early identification and support to ensure all students with SLD receive individualized services that promote academic success.
Determination of SLD
Chandler Park Academy employs a Pattern of Strengths and Weaknesses (PSW) model to assess students for eligibility under the Specific Learning Disabilities (SLD) category. Our evaluation process strictly adheres to the guidelines established by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the Michigan Administrative Rules for Special Education (MARSE), and all applicable Michigan laws, policies, and procedures.
Understanding the PSW Process:
The PSW process involves the systematic collection and analysis of multiple data sources to determine:
- Whether the student is achieving adequately for their age or meeting State-approved grade-level standards in one or more of the areas listed in 34 CFR § 300.309(a)(1)(i), when provided with appropriate learning experiences and instruction.
- Whether a pattern of strengths and weaknesses in performance, achievement, or both exists, relative to age, State-approved grade-level standards, or intellectual development. This determination is made by the Multidisciplinary Evaluation Team (MET) using valid, reliable assessments in accordance with IDEA’s evaluation procedures and requirements for evaluations and reevaluations.
Chandler Park Academy is committed to ensuring that its SLD determination process is comprehensive, equitable, and compliant with all federal and state regulations to support the educational success of each student.
For more information, please see the Wayne RESA SLD Determination Guideline
Discipline Procedures for Students with Disabilities
Chandler Park Academy is dedicated to implementing fair and legally compliant discipline procedures that protect the rights of students with disabilities. These procedures include requirements for manifestation determinations, ongoing positive behavior supports, and adherence to due process protections for students with IEPs.
Our district has developed Discipline Procedures for Students with Disabilities in accordance with IDEA and Michigan regulations. These protocols ensure that disciplinary actions are not discriminatory and that the unique needs of students with disabilities are addressed appropriately.
District teams are expected to be fully trained on these procedures. Whether using the state-provided template or an internal version, Chandler Park Academy remains committed to full compliance with both federal and state expectations.
View/Download: CPA Discipline Procedures
For staff training or additional guidance, contact the Special Education Department.
Parent Advisory Committee (PAC)
Families are encouraged to participate in the Wayne RESA Parent Advisory Committee (PAC). The PAC promotes family engagement, helps guide program planning, and advises the ISD on the delivery of special education services.
The PAC consists of parent representatives from across the county and meets regularly to share feedback and collaborate on improving services for students with disabilities.
- Visit the Wayne RESA PAC page for more information on membership, meeting dates, and how to get involved. Visit PAC Page
Procedural Safeguards Notice
Chandler Park Academy ensures that families are informed of their rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). These rights are outlined in the Procedural Safeguards Notice, which is available online and in printed form upon request.
View the Michigan Procedural Safeguards Notice
For a printed copy or further explanation, please contact our Special Education Department.
Chandler Park Academy is committed to ensuring that all students have equal access to education, including those with disabilities who may not require special education services under IDEA. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a federal civil rights law that prohibits discrimination based on disability and ensures students with qualifying conditions receive appropriate accommodations and supports. Students who are eligible under Section 504 may receive a written plan outlining accommodations and services necessary to access the general education curriculum in the least restrictive environment. These supports are designed to level the playing field and promote success in school and beyond. Our staff works collaboratively with families to determine eligibility and develop individualized 504 Plans that meet student needs while maintaining legal compliance and educational equity. To learn more, you may review Wayne RESA’s comprehensive Section 504 Toolkit:
View Section 504 Toolkit (PDF)
Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) and Response to Intervention (RTI)
Chandler Park Academy implements a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework to meet the academic, behavioral, and social-emotional needs of all students. MTSS is a proactive, data-driven approach that provides varying levels of support based on student need and progress.
A key component of MTSS is Response to Intervention (RTI), which focuses specifically on academic interventions. Through RTI, students receive research-based instruction and interventions at increasing levels of intensity. Progress is monitored closely to ensure students are responding to supports and making adequate growth.
Our MTSS framework includes:
- Tier 1: High-quality instruction and universal supports for all students
- Tier 2: Targeted small-group interventions for students at risk
- Tier 3: Intensive, individualized interventions for students with significant needs
MTSS also serves as a prevention and early identification system for students who may require additional evaluation or support, including special education. Staff collaborate regularly to review data, adjust instruction, and ensure equitable access to the supports students need to succeed.
To learn more about MTSS, visit the Wayne RESA MTSS Resource Page.
For questions about MTSS at Chandler Park Academy, please contact the district’s MTSS Coordinator.
Important Links and Resources
- Child Find and Evaluation Procedures
Download Here - Discipline Procedures for Students with Disabilities
Download Here - Wayne RESA SLD Determination Guidelines
View Guidelines – Wayne RESA SLD Determination Guideline - Michigan Procedural Safeguards Notice
View Here - Wayne RESA ISD Plan for Special Education
View Plan - Wayne RESA Parent Advisory Committee (PAC)
Visit PAC Page
