Vision
We make a collective commitment to all of Bellingham鈥檚 children. We will empower every child to discover and develop a passion, contribute to their community, and achieve a fulfilling and productive life.
Mission
We collectively commit to support a purposeful continuum of services for a diverse group of highly capable learners to develop each individual student’s fullest potential.
Definition
Highly capable students are those who perform or show potential for performing at significantly听advanced academic levels when compared with others of their age, experiences, or environments.听Outstanding abilities are seen within students’ general intellectual aptitudes, specific academic听abilities, and/or creative productivities within a specific domain. These students are present not only in听the general populace, but are present within all protected classes. ()
2024-25 Highly Capable Learner Liaison: Rayna Brandon
Rayna Brandon is the HCL Liaison for the district. To support teachers and families, Rayna is available to answer questions, collaborate and support the unique needs of students identified highly capable at all schools and levels. Rayna can be contacted by email here or by calling 360-676-6470 x4447.
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string(11816) "Bellingham Public Schools proudly serves students with disabilities birth through age 21. We strive to give all our students love, care and great teaching. We build skills that allow each student to discover and develop a passion, contribute to our community and live a fulfilling, productive life.
What is Special Education?
Special Education is specialized instruction for students age Birth to 21 who qualify according to the laws and regulations outlined by state and federal government. A student may qualify for services in one of the areas as identified by the听. The following definitions are from the U.S. Department of Education website.
Getting Started
The district participates in
听"child find"听- awareness and screening activities for the purpose of locating, identifying and evaluating听children who are suspected of having disabilities and who may be in need of special education services. A student may also be referred for a听special education听evaluation by any source, including parents. The referral is to be made in writing and submitted to the building principal or designee.听
The Special Education Process
- IEP Review
Frequently Asked Questions
- 听(from the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction [OSPI] website)
- 听(from the OSPI website)
- 听(from the OSPI website)
- 听(from the OSPI website)
Our Special Education Programs
Our district has听a variety of听programs听to support families of students with special needs:
- Birth to 2:听Bellingham schools听partners with community agencies to provide early intervention services through the Department of Early Learning (DEL) Early Supports for Infants and Toddlers (ESIT) program. Children ages Birth to Two who have delays in their development or have a physical or mental condition that is known to cause a delay in development may be eligible for early intervention services. These services are provided in a child鈥檚 natural environment which may include in听 their home or childcare program.
- Preschool: Early childhood preschool programs provide a language-based curriculum to students ages 3-4 with developmental delays. Preschool programs are based in the following locations:
- Alderwood Elementary
- Birchwood Elementary
- Cordata Elementary
- Geneva Elementary
- Happy Valley Elementary
- Northern Heights Elementary
- Sunnyland Elementary
- Sehome High School
- Resource:听programs provide direct, integrated, and/or consultative services to students with mild to moderate disabilities in general education. Resource programs are based in every elementary, middle and high school.听
- Life Skills:听Life Skills programs provide a functional academic and skill domain curriculum, with supported integration in general education and opportunities for community-based instruction to students with moderate to severe developmental disabilities. Life Skills programs are based in the following locations:
- Carl Cozier Elementary
- Columbia Elementary
- Cordata听Elementary
- Wade King Elementary
- Fairhaven Middle
- Kulshan Middle
- Shuksan Middle
- Bellingham High
- Sehome High
- Squalicum HIgh
- EBD (Emotionally/Behaviorally Disabled) BRIDGES:听The "BRIDGES" programs provide an academic curriculum within a structured behavior management system, with integration or mainstreaming in general education, to students with moderate to severe behavioral disabilities. EBD programs are based in the following locations:
- Parkview Elementary
- Lowell Elementary
- Whatcom Middle
- Squalicum High
- Community Transitions:听The Community Transitions post-high school program provides transition classes, supported and independent vocational experiences, and linkages to adult services for students ages 18-21 with mild, moderate, or severe disabilities.
- Itinerant Services:听Itinerant services provide instruction and support to students who need:
- Physical Therapy
- Assistive Technology
- Occupational Therapy
- Speech Language Therapy
- Sign Language
- Aural Rehab Management
- Braille
- Diagnostic-Psychological intervention
- Autism Consultation
- Out of District Placements:听For students who need intensive services, the Bellingham Public Schools听contracts with other providers including:
- Northwest ESD 189 - Whatcom Discovery
State and Federal Resources
听(OSPI)
Resources
Continuing Education Opportunities
Special Education Office Staff
Director:听Mike Haberman, (360) 676-6458
听 听 听Secretary:听Deanna Bannerman (360) 676-6458
Assistant Director:听Bethany Verner (360) 676-6458
听 听 听Secretary: Joy Rawls听(360) 676-6470 ext. 2042
Program Secretaries:
Coleen Aylen: (360) 676-6470 ext. 4408
Vickie Tapparo: 听(360) 676-6470 ext. 6833
Julie Webster: 听(360) 676-6517
Special Education Records Requests
Please fax requests to 360-676-2692 or email BPS.Spedrecords@BellinghamSchools.org"
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