Special Education Program Updates and FAQ

Inclusion does not mean that every student will spend 100% of their day in the general education classroom. Some students require specialized instruction or settings to meet their Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals. Inclusion is part of a continuum of services, and students may spend different amounts of time in general education based on their unique needs.

The Guiding Coalition is a representative group of stakeholders including special education teachers, general education teachers, para educators and administrators across school sites, who come together to lead and support major change initiatives within an organization. District 62’s Special Education Program Guiding Coalition members reviewed findings and recommendations from the empowerED study that were released in the spring of 2025. They created a shared vision for more inclusive practices, and began outlining key next steps that will guide our planning. This important work is part of our broader goal to ensure all students in our district receive the support they need in a more inclusive and equitable learning environment. 

One important update concerns the locations of several specialized programs, including Educational Life Skills (ELS), Structured Teaching Education Program (STEP), Behavioral and Educational Supported Teaching (BEST), and the Instructional Program. At present, these programs are available only in select schools, requiring many students to leave their home school in order to access the services outlined in their Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). By winter break, the district will determine the future locations for next school year of these specialized programs with the goal of expanding services more equitably across all schools.

This change is intended to bring services closer to students’ homes, making it easier for more children to attend their neighborhood or feeder middle schools and develop a stronger connection to their local school communities. In some cases, families of students in specialized programs will have the option to either keep their child at their current school or move to a new location offering the same program. This phased-in approach is designed to minimize disruption for students and families.

• More students will be able to attend school closer to home
• Stronger connections with neighborhood peers and school communities
• Greater access to inclusive learning opportunities
• A more consistent and equitable experience for all students across the district

Yes. Self-contained programs are not going away. These programs continue to be an important option for students who require more intensive supports to meet their academic, social/emotional, and behavioral goals. 

No. Specialized programs will be located in additional schools at the beginning of the 2026–2027 school year. Students will not be moved during the middle of the school year.

No. Services will not be cut. All students will continue to receive the supports and services outlined in their IEPs. District 62 will continue to have a full continuum of services for our students.

Decisions about student’s services and placements are made by the IEP team, which includes parents/ guardians, general education staff, special educators, related service staff and administrators. Each student’s IEP team determines the supports, services, and placement that best meet the student’s individual needs.

No. Staffing will not be reduced, and employees will not lose their jobs as a result of these changes. The district remains committed to maintaining the personnel necessary to support all students across all programs.

Please look for additional communications from the district. This fall, we plan to host in-person and/or virtual sessions to share information with families as decisions regarding specialized program locations are finalized.

 
During this time, our goal is to be open, transparent, and responsive. We intend to be a constant for all children and for every family to feel informed, heard, and supported as we work together to create a more inclusive future for all students in District 62. We’re grateful to our staff and families, for their continued partnership. Their involvement, questions, and feedback help guide this work and ensure it reflects the needs of our community.

We have and will be planning and providing training as we prepare for changes.

• May 2025 & August 2025: The district hosted Dr. Jenna Rufo from empowerED twice to present to all District 62 staff on inclusive practices. In addition, Dr. Rufo conducted targeted sessions and worked directly with groups of administrators and staff, including ELS special education teachers, specials teachers and paraprofessionals, providing strategies and guidance to support the implementation of inclusive practices in general education classrooms as it pertains to their role.
• May & September 2025: District 62’s Special Education Guiding Coalition met.
• October 2025: A survey was sent to parents of students with an IEP to gather input on special education programming and services.
• October 2025: District Special Education Administrators will be meeting with staff from specialized programs to gather input and feedback on current programming.  
• November 2025: Kate Small from empowerED will be working with instructional coaches and coordinators to provide instructional strategies that support teachers in planning effectively for all students.
• November 2025: The district will host a parent/guardian session to gather feedback and answer questions from families about specialized programming.  
• December 2025: The district will finalize the special education continuum of services and programming and determine the future locations of specialized programs.
• December 2025: Families whose children may experience a change in schools for the 2026-2027 school year will be contacted individually. These one-on-one conversations will provide an opportunity to discuss available options for the next school year, answer any questions, and address concerns in a personalized and supportive manner.
• January - August 2026: Professional learning and training will continue to be provided for staff to prepare for the implementation of relocated specialized programs and to prepare educators for inclusive opportunities.
• Start of the 2026-2027 School Year:  After collaboration with families, students who have a change in school placement due to the relocation of specialized programs will begin the school year at their new school.

Please contact any of our District 62’s Administrators, including your school’s building Principal or Coordinator. You may also contact our District’s Student Services Administrative team to answer your questions or concerns. Their contact information is below:

Dr. Ramona DeCristofaro - Assistant Superintendent for Student Services, decristofaror@d62.org
Heidi Rudy - Director of Student Services, rudyh@d62.org
Colin Baer - Director of Social Emotional Learning, baerc@d62.org