Student Services

Special Education Services

The cornerstone Federal legislation for the education of students with disabilities is the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act. IDEA ensures the provision of a free and appropriate public education (FAPE) for every student who qualifies under the Federal Law and corresponding federal and state regulations.

Our goal is to work with parents/guardians to help ensure that every child experiences success in the Brookfield Local School District. The District encourages parents to call the Special Education Department if they suspect their child has a handicap that may interfere with their child's ability to progress in the general education environment.

Special educational services are available to students with disabilities (SWD) from age 3 through 21 years of age. Brookfield promotes inclusion practices whenever appropriate, and provides support to the general education teacher and/or the SWD participating in the general education setting. The district employs one school psychologist and intervention specialists serving grades K-12. In addition, one speech therapist serves students identified with deficits in the area of communication. The District contracts with the TCESC for various related services, such as occupational therapy and physical therapy, in order to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities. Preschool special education services are offered through Head Start, TCESC, and Fairhaven. In the 2021-2022 school year, Brookfield Local School District opened a Head Start preschool classroom on its campus.

Dyslexia Screening

On January 9, 2021, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine signed a set of laws strengthening dyslexia supports for Ohio’s children. The new dyslexia support laws establish dyslexia screening measures, professional development for identifying dyslexia and instructing students with dyslexia, a structured literacy certification process for teachers, and the Ohio Dyslexia Committee. For additional information, please click the links below from the district and the Ohio Department of Education.

BLSD Dyslexia Screening Information

OH Department of Education Dyslexia Supports

Response to Intervention Model

Brookfield Local School District utilizes the Response to Intervention Model (RTI), for at risk learners, and makes every effort to work with any student having difficulty in the general education classroom. This process includes the utilization of an Intervention Assistance Team (IAT), normally composed of the following: the Special Education Supervisor, the Teacher, Parent, Principal, School Psychologist, Guidance counselor and student when appropriate. Any other specialist may be included who may help the team to problem solve. Any individual may make a referral to this team on behalf of a struggling student. The purpose of the IAT meeting is to develop strategies and interventions designed to help the struggling student become successful in the classroom.

Any parent who believes their child is having difficulty within the general education setting should first make contact with their child's teacher. The guidance counselor is available in each building for additional consultation.

A Guide to Parents Rights in Special Education
A Parents Guide to the Rights of Children and Youth Experiencing Homelessness
Ohio Department of Education: Special Education
IAT Referral Form
Medicaid Annual Notification Letter

Child Find

Ongoing efforts are made by the Brookfield Local School District to locate and evaluate children ages birth through 21 years of age, who reside within the district and have a confirmed or suspected disability in accordance with federal and state standards.
Parents, relatives, agency personnel, and concerned citizens may refer any child (birth through 21) who may qualify for special education and related services.
Anyone aware of a child who may have special needs living within the district is asked to call the special education department.

McKinney-Vento Homeless Act

The McKinney-Vento Act provides supports for students and families that are lacking in a fixed adequate nighttime residence. The legal definition of homelessness is defined as any of the below situations.

Sharing housing due to a loss of housing, economic hardship, or a similar reason;
Living in hotels, motels, trailer parks, or camp grounds due to a lack of alternative, adequate housing;
Abandoned in hospitals;
Awaiting foster care placement;
Living in a public or private place not designed for or, normally used as, a regular sleeping accommodation for human beings;
Living in cars, parks public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, or similar places;
Living in one of the above circumstances and who are migratory.

If you or someone you know is in one of the above circumstances, please contact the Homeless Liaison, Jeri Hamilton, at Brookfield Local School District.

Invitation for Public Suggestions & Comments on the Use of Supplemental Federal & State Funding

Each year the Brookfield Local School District is provided funds through the state and federal educational agencies that are utilized to supplement and support regular and special education programs. These funds are provided under various federal programs for specific uses. Some of the resources are targeted to provide services for children who may have experienced the effects of limited environmental and developmental opportunities. The focus is supplementing and enriching their educational curriculum through specialized reading and math programs. Funding has added educational materials, technological equipment educational resources and software supplies.

The community is invited to offer suggestions for the use of these funds so that the services are of value to our children. Suggestions and comments may be submitted to the special education department of treasurer's office .

Brookfield
Local Schools