Our Philosophy
We believe that every student deserves the best education and that learning experiences should have no barriers. We must discover each student’s ability and work with them to enhance their skills each day in partnership with families, faculty and the community.
Support
Esperanza Academy Charter Schools provides multiple educational supports and services for students identified with disabilities. The services provided are:
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Learning Support
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Life Skills Support
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Emotional Support
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Speech and Language Services
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Occupational Support
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Licensed Social Worker
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Licensed School Psychologist
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Licensed Behavioral Specialist
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Special Transportation
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Para Educators
We also collaborate with the Office of Vocational and Rehabilitative Services (OVR) to provide students with transition services as they prepare for high school graduation. Esperanza provides specially designed instruction and supplemental aids and services which include audio books, use of technology and research based reading and math interventions. The programs and services provided for students identified with disabilities at Esperanza Academy Charter Schools vary and we will continue to alter our programs in accordance with the demands of our changing learning environment.
Parents
It is important for parents to understand the special education process.
Parents play a vital role on the team that decides the appropriate services for
their child.
Please download the Pennsylvania Parent Guide To Special
Education booklet designed to help parents better
understand the special education process so they can participate in the
educational decision-making process for their child. The chapters in this
booklet address frequently asked questions and concerns parents of a child with
a disability may have regarding special education.
Team
Ms. Jocelyn Chavis- Special Education Coordinator, Grades 9-12
Ms. Irina Valentin-Rojas- Administrative Assistant to Special Education Coordinator, Grades 9-12
Ms. Kristi Tedeschi- Special Education Coordinator, Grades 2, 6-12
Ms. Isa Allende-Averette- Administrative Assistant to Special Education Coordinator, Grades 2, 6-12
Child Find Policy
It is the policy of Esperanza Academy Charter School that all students
with disabilities, regardless of the severity of their disability, who are in
need of special education and related services, are identified, located, and
evaluated. This responsibility is required by a Federal law called the
Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004, 20 U.S.C. 1200
et. seq. ("IDEA 2004"). Chapter 711 of Title 22 of the Pennsylvania
Code requires the publication of a notice to parents sufficient to inform
parents of children applying to or already enrolled in the charter school of
(1) available special education services and programs, (2) how to request those
services and programs, and of (3) systematic screening activities that lead to
the identification, location and evaluation of children with disabilities
enrolled in the charter school. The purpose of this Annual Notice is to comply
with the school's obligations under Chapter 711 of Title 22 of the Pennsylvania
Code. Complete policy is found here