Exceptional Student Services | Leona Group Schools

Every Student Deserves Excellence

Leona Group Schools is committed to providing a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) to all students with disabilities. Our Exceptional Student Services (ESS) department works to ensure that every student receives the support they need to succeed.

We believe that students with disabilities can achieve great things when given the right support, accommodations, and high expectations. Our team of special education teachers, related service providers, and support staff work collaboratively with families to help each student reach their full potential.

Our services are provided in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Arizona state special education requirements. We offer a continuum of services designed to meet the unique needs of each student while ensuring maximum participation in the general education environment.

Services We Provide

Comprehensive support tailored to individual needs

Special Education Instruction

Specially designed instruction delivered by certified special education teachers, individualized to meet each student's IEP goals.

Speech-Language Services

Services for students with communication disorders, including articulation, language, fluency, and voice therapy.

Occupational Therapy

Support for students who need help with fine motor skills, sensory processing, and daily living activities in the school setting.

Physical Therapy

Services for students who need support with gross motor skills, mobility, and physical access to the school environment.

Psychological Services

Evaluation, consultation, and counseling services provided by school psychologists to support students' social-emotional and academic development.

Counseling Services

Individual and group counseling to support students' social-emotional well-being and help them develop coping skills.

Assistive Technology

Devices and services that help students with disabilities access the curriculum and participate in school activities.

Transition Services

Planning and support for students ages 16 and older to prepare for life after high school, including employment, post-secondary education, and independent living.

Eligibility Categories

We serve students with a wide range of disabilities

Autism Spectrum Disorder

Developmental Delay

Emotional Disability

Hearing Impairment

Mild Intellectual Disability

Moderate Intellectual Disability

Multiple Disabilities

Orthopedic Impairment

Other Health Impairment

Specific Learning Disability

Speech-Language Impairment

Traumatic Brain Injury

Visual Impairment

The IEP Process

Working together to support your child

1

Referral

Parents, teachers, or other school staff may refer a student for evaluation if they suspect a disability that affects learning. Parents may also request an evaluation in writing.

2

Evaluation

With parent consent, a comprehensive evaluation is conducted to determine if the student has a disability and needs special education services. This includes assessments in all areas of suspected disability.

3

Eligibility Determination

A team that includes parents reviews the evaluation results to determine if the student meets criteria for special education services under one of the 13 disability categories.

4

IEP Development

If eligible, an IEP (Individualized Education Program) team meets to develop the student's IEP. This includes goals, services, accommodations, and placement decisions.

5

Implementation

Once parents provide consent, services begin. Teachers and service providers work together to implement the IEP and support the student's progress.

6

Annual Review

The IEP team meets at least annually to review progress and update the IEP. Parents may request a meeting at any time if they have concerns.

Your Rights as a Parent

Federal law (IDEA) guarantees important rights to parents of children with disabilities. These include:

Participation: You have the right to participate in all meetings about your child's identification, evaluation, and educational placement.
Prior Written Notice: The school must provide you written notice before proposing or refusing to change your child's identification, evaluation, or placement.
Consent: Your consent is required before initial evaluation and before initial provision of special education services.
Access to Records: You have the right to inspect and review all educational records relating to your child.
Independent Evaluation: You have the right to obtain an independent educational evaluation if you disagree with the school's evaluation.
Dispute Resolution: You have the right to file a complaint or request mediation or a due process hearing if you disagree with the school's decisions.

Procedural Safeguards

A detailed explanation of your rights under IDEA is provided in the Procedural Safeguards Notice, which you will receive at least once per year and upon request.

Download Procedural Safeguards

Section 504 Plans

Support for students who don't qualify for special education

Some students have disabilities that don't qualify them for special education services under IDEA but still need accommodations to access their education. These students may be eligible for a Section 504 Plan.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities. Under Section 504, students with disabilities that substantially limit one or more major life activities may receive accommodations such as:

Extended time on tests

Preferential seating

Modified assignments

Assistive technology

Frequent breaks

Audio recordings

Large print materials

Behavior support plans

Contact your school's 504 Coordinator if you believe your child may benefit from a 504 Plan.

Questions About Special Education?

Our ESS team is here to help you navigate services and support your child's success.

Contact Us Enroll Today