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Zionsville Community Schools

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Continuum of Special Education Services in ZCS

CONTINUUM OF SERVICES

At Zionsville Community Schools, we believe every student learns best when their individual strengths and needs are supported. To ensure this, we provide a continuum of special education services for students ages 3 through 22. This means that students can access a wide range of supports—from instruction in the general education classroom to more specialized programs—based on what is most appropriate for them.

Decisions about services are made by the Case Conference Committee (CCC), which includes educators, specialists, and families working together to determine the best fit for each student in their least restrictive environment.  

PRESCHOOL SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES (AGES 3 - 5)

Young children who qualify for special education through a multidisciplinary evaluation can access a variety of preschool options.  Depending on their needs, services may include:  

  • Walk-in speech/language services

  • Support integrated into the in general education preschool classroom

  • Specialized classrooms such as phonology, developmental, foundational, or transitional preschool

Therapists and teachers work together to provide speech, language, occupational, and physical therapy as part of daily learning, as appropriate. Preschool special education services are housed at Pleasant View Elementary.

RESOURCE/BASIC SKILLS

Most students receive their instruction in the general education classroom with added support from special education staff.  This may include:

  • Co-teaching and collaboration in the classroom (inclusion)

  • Small-group or individual instruction outside the general education classroom when needed

  • Targeted support in academics, behavior, and/or social skills aligned to IEP goals

Resource support is available in every school building.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS 

For students who need a higher level of support, ZCS offers Essential Skills programs that focus on functional academics, communication, life skills, and independence. Services may include:

  • Functional Academics – specialized instruction in reading, math, and social skills

  • Life Skills – instruction in daily living, communication, and independence

  • Autism Program – a classroom designed for students with autism who have significant communication and behavioral needs, emphasizing communication systems and academic readiness

Students in Essential Skills also participate in general education settings as appropriate. Programs are available at PVE, ZWest, ZMS, and ZCHS.  

INTENSE INTERVENTION 

Students with significant social, emotional, and behavioral needs may participate in Intense Intervention programs, which combine:

  • Instruction in academic standards

  • Social and emotional learning

  • Behavior support using a structured level system

Students may receive instruction in the general education classroom, the intense intervention classroom, or both. Programs are offered at Trailside Elementary, ZWest, and ZCHS.  

SOARS (Student Opportunities to Achieve Real-Life Success)

SOARS prepares high school students for life after graduation by providing opportunities for work experience and community involvement.  Supports may include:

  • In-school jobs 

  • Volunteer or paid positions in the community 

  • Extended experiences for students up to age 22, focusing on employment, independence, and life skills

SOARS helps students build confidence, independence, and real-world skills to support success in adulthood. 

More information about the SOARS program can be found here.