In compliance with state and federal guidelines, District 103 provides appropriate and effective educational programs and services for students with exceptional needs at no cost to families. Determination of eligibility for these programs and services is made at an Individual Educational Plan (IEP) Conference after the completion of a Full and Individual Evaluation process.

District 103 offers a wide range of instructional alternatives within the District. Each student is educated within the general education setting to the extent that this meets academic and social needs. School District 103 is also part of the Exceptional Learners Collaborative (ELC). The purpose of the ELC is to promote, operate, organize, coordinate, and supervise special education and other needed educational programs and/or services as authorized by the School Code and its Member School Districts. Member districts of the ELC are: School District 103, Kildeer Countryside Community Consolidated School District 96, and Adlai E. Stevenson High School District 125. If a student requires more extensive programming outside the District to meet their needs, the IEP team works with the Exceptional Learners’ Collaborative (ELC), as well as other educational entities, to secure a placement in a program that will meet the student’s individual needs.

School District 103 also has a partnership with True North Educational Cooperative, which oversees our Early Childhood assessments, preschool screenings, and early intervention process.

It is the intent of the District to ensure that students who are disabled within the definition of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 or the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act are identified, evaluated and provided with appropriate educational services.

A copy of the publication “Explanation of Procedural Safeguards Available to Families of Students with Disabilities” may be obtained from the Student Services Office.

The school provides a free, appropriate public education in the least restrictive environment and necessary related services to all children with disabilities enrolled in the school. The term "children with disabilities" means children between ages 3 and the day before their 22nd birthday for whom it is determined that special education services are needed. Students with disabilities who do not qualify for an individualized education program, as required by the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and implementing provisions of this Illinois law, may qualify for services under Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 if the student (i) has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, (ii) has a record of a physical or mental impairment, or (iii) is regarded as having a physical or mental impairment.

For further information, please contact: Gina Finaldi, Ph.D., Director of Student Services (847) 295-4030, 111 Barclay Boulevard, Suite 100, Lincolnshire, IL 60069.