Special Education/Pupil Services Information

The Moon Area School District Pupil Services Department services a wide variety of student needs throughout the District. The goal of the Pupil Services Department is to assist in carrying out the District's mission of educating every individual in a respectful, safe, enriching environment through comprehensive programs that inspire excellence, lifelong learning and responsibility.

The Pupil Services Department oversees English as a Second Language (ESL), secondary transition, gifted support, special needs, homeless students, among a variety of other specialized areas to provide students with a path to maximize their potential and let their talents shine. 

 

English as a Second Language (ESL)

"In accordance with federal law and state regulations, the Moon Area School District must identify all students who are English Learners (ELs). These students typically have a primary language other than English that is used in their homes. Students identified as ELs are eligible for English Language Development services to help them attain proficient skills in their use of the written and spoken English language. All students must have a Home Language Survey completed by their parents prior to admission into the school district. This survey allows the Moon Area School District to identify possible ELs. The ELD teacher will screen any student identified as possibly having a limited English proficiency and will provide direct services to students based on their level of need. Parents or guardians who feel their child may have a limited English proficiency should contact Ashley Beeson, Director of Pupil Services, at 412-264-9440 (ext. 1114) for more information."

 

Secondary Transition

Transition Planning assists youth with the exploration of opportunities and identification of goals for life after high school such as education, employment, independent living, and health and wellness.

 

Services for Protected Handicapped Students

In compliance with state and federal law, the Moon Area School District will provide to each protected handicapped student without discrimination or cost to the student or family, those related aids, services, or accommodations which are needed to provide equal opportunity to participate in and obtain the benefits of the school programs and extracurricular activities to the extent appropriate to the student’s abilities. To qualify as a protected handicapped student, the child must be of school age with a physical or mental disability, which substantially limits or prohibits participation in or access to an aspect of the school program.

These services and protections for “protected handicapped students” are distinct from those applicable to all students with disabilities enrolled (or seeking enrollment) in special education programs. To obtain additional information about the evaluation procedures and provisions of services to protected handicapped students, contact Ashley Beeson, Pupil Services Director, at 412-264-9440 (ext. 1114).

 

Age of Eligibility for Free and Appropriate Public Education

On August 30, 2023, we received updated information Carole L. Clancy, Director of the PDE Bureau of Special Education, regarding the amended Age of Eligibility Policy. informed all Local Education Agencies (LEAs) titled Change in Age of Eligibility for Free and Appropriate Public Education.

The information states that "[t]he Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) is writing to communicate an important policy change that will provide continued education services to special education students. This policy change will ensure students can access Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) as they are entitled under federal law."

"Effective no later than September 5, 2023, all students entitled to FAPE and all of the rights and procedural safeguards under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Chapter 14 of Title 22 of the Pennsylvania Code may remain enrolled in public school until they turn 22 years of age. This includes students who turned 21 and exited during or after the 2022-2023 school term."

Learn more about IDEA-B Regulations and Policies on PDE's website. 

Special Education Change of Age Eligibility.

Change of Age Eligibility FAQ.