Students with a variety of special needs including learning disabilities, physical challenges, autism, speech language impairment, and emotional or behavioral difficulties are served through special education services located in all of the district’s schools.  Our department addresses the special education and related services needs for students with disabilities identified under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The services are provided by special education teachers, speech therapists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, paraprofessional staff, and others with specialized training and expertise.  Holdrege Public Schools strives to provide every child a free and appropriate education in the least restrictive environment. Students are provided as many opportunities as possible to be integrated in the regular classroom with their peers.  We partner with students and families to achieve academic goals and realize meaningful outcomes.  The administration and staff is dedicated to individualizing each child’s educational program to best meet their needs, allowing them to reach their greatest learning potential.

Holdrege Public Schools
Child Find Services
Birth-21

In keeping with federal mandates and state regulations, Holdrege Public Schools has professionals who are trained and certified to evaluate children when significant concerns are indicated for the child’s early development or educational progress.  Evaluation is provided in a variety of areas, including:  Early concepts (birth-5), educational skills (PreK-12), cognitive functioning, speech-language skills, physical development, social-emotional functioning, and vision and hearing screening.  Evaluations completed will address the area(s) of concern for each child.

Evaluations are conducted at no cost to parents, with parent consent, and with parent participation.  After the evaluation is completed, a meeting is held with parents to determine eligibility for services.  If a child is determined to be eligible for services, an Individual Education Plan (IEP) is developed.  If the child is under age 3 and is determined to be eligible, an Individual Family Service Plan (IFSP) is written.

This process is referred to as “Child Find” and is available to children age birth to 21, to ensure that children are identified and receive the special educational supports for which they are eligible.  These services and supports are provided through Holdrege Public School’s Special Education Department.

Contact for general Child Find information: 
Rani Coenen at 308-995-4048 x411
rani.coenen@dusters.org
or
Shana Orr at 308-995-4048 x412(office)
308-293-8882 (cell)
shana.orr@dusters.org

Notice of Intent to Destroy Special Education Records

Unless the parent/guardian is otherwise advised, a student’s special education records will be destroyed 5 years after the student moves to another school district, graduates, or otherwise stops receiving Special Education services from Holdrege Public Schools.  In order to receive notices from the district during this 5 year period, the parent/guardian must keep their address on file with the district current.

The parent/guardian or student may request to review or obtain a copy of the records at the following address:

Special Education Department
Holdrege Public Schools
505 14th Ave
PO Box 2002
Holdrege, NE 68949
308-995-4048

Nebraska Dept. of Ed and Holdrege Public Schools Resources

• • Acronyms What does IEP, MDT, RTI, NDE mean? This is a list of the most commonly used acronyms in education!
  • Developmental Milestones
  • NDE Rule 51
  • Parent Rights English
  • Parent Rights Spanish
  • Procedure Safeguards Rule 55