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Special Education

Special Education Services at Rochester Area School District

The Rochester Area School District is committed to providing a full continuum of special education programs and services for students who qualify. Services are available for eligible students from school entry age through 21 years of age. To request services, please contact your child’s school counselor.

Eligibility Categories

Special education services are available for students identified as having one or more of the following exceptionalities:

  • Educational Disability

  • Learning Disability

  • Visual Impairment

  • Hearing Impairment

  • Mental Giftedness

  • Multiple Disabilities

  • Neurological Impairment

  • Other Health Impairments

  • Physical Impairment

  • Emotional Disturbance

  • Speech or Language Impairment

  • Autism / Pervasive Developmental Disorder

Identification & Child Find

The District conducts ongoing identification activities to determine if students require special education services. This process, known as Child Find, helps identify, locate, and evaluate children residing in the district—including those attending private schools—who may need special services.

These services include:

  • Specially designed instruction to support academic success

  • Gifted education programs for eligible students

Programs Offered

We offer a variety of supports tailored to meet students’ unique needs, including:

  • Transition Services

  • Learning Support

  • Emotional Support

  • Gifted Support

  • Life Skills Support

  • Autistic Support

  • Speech and Language Support

How to Request an Evaluation

In addition to teachers and school counselors, parents or guardians may request a screening or evaluation at any time. Requests must be made in writing and submitted to your child’s school counselor or to the RASD Special Education Office.

Confidentiality of Student Information

All information collected during the referral or evaluation process is kept strictly confidential and does not become part of the student’s permanent academic record. To review the District’s written policy on the confidentiality of student records, please contact your building counselor, building principal, or click here.

Need Help or Have Questions?

For more information about:

  • Special education services

  • The screening or evaluation process

  • Parent rights and available resources

Please contact your child’s school counselor or the RASD Special Education Office.

📄 Click here to view additional Parent Resources for Special Education Students.