Butler County Human Service System Guide - 2017

Housing Resources

Butler County has a full continuum of housing and homeless services, including
homeless prevention, outreach and assessment, emergency housing, transitional
housing, permanent supportive housing, and supportive services. It is important to note
that availability of all services is very limited.

The Homeless and Housing Continuum of Care is overseen by the Butler County Local
Housing Options Team (LHOT), which is a collaborative of social service organizations
and community representatives working together to raise awareness of homeless and
housing issues and to eliminate barriers to safe, accessible, affordable housing.

Definition of services available:

 Homeless Prevention Services- Assistance/services offered to individuals and
families who are at risk of becoming homeless. Prevention services available
include:
o Rental Assistance for people facing evictions (available through Catholic
Charities)
o Mortgage Assistance for people facing foreclosures (available through
Catholic Charities)
o Homeless Case Management (available through Catholic Charities)
o Rental/Homeownership Counseling (available through Butler County
Housing Authority)
o Predatory Lending classes (available through Butler County Housing
Authority)
o Foreclosure Prevention classes (available through Butler County Housing
Authority)
o Home Ownership Education classes (available through Butler County
Housing Authority)

 Outreach and Assessment- Involves actively attempting to identify homeless
individuals/families who are not currently receiving assistance and engaging
them to participate in available services.

 Emergency Shelter Services- Immediate, short-term housing programs for
individuals and families facing a housing emergency.

252

 Transitional Housing Programs-Housing programs that facilitate the movement of
homeless individuals and families to permanent housing within 24 months.

 Permanent Supportive Housing Programs- Program-based, long-term housing
designed to enable homeless people with disabilities to live as independently as
possible in a permanent setting.

 Supportive services- Services provided to assist individuals or families to remain
independent in a permanent housing situation.

*** Individuals over the age of 62 who are in need of housing assistance can
usually get help through the Housing Authority. For more information or to
make a referral, call (724) 287-6797.

Matrix Key:
 BCHA - Butler County Housing Authority
 CC - Catholic Charities
 CCR - Center for Community Resources
 ISCMHC - Irene Stacy Community Mental Health Center
 LH - Lighthouse Foundation
 VOICe - Victim Outreach Intervention Center

253

Housing Resources For Butler County

11/2/2012 Eligibility Criteria:

Program/ # of Single Single age: age: age: Domestic Single Two Chronic Homeless At-Risk of D&A MH Veteran Permanent
Agency units Female Male 18-21 18-24 18-62 Violence parent parent Homeless Homeless Emergency Transitional Supportive
family family
Housing (18 to 24 mos) Housing

Deshon

Place / BCHA 20 X X X X X Priority X

Franklin X X X
X X XX X
Court / X X
XX
BCHA 46 X X

Blanchard

House / LH 4 X

Penney

House/LH 5 X

Kaufman

Drive and

Armour

Apts/LH 11 XX X X
X X X
VOICe X
X X
Shelter XX XX X
Tomorrow's X
X
Voice/

VOICE 5 X
Enduring

Voice /

VOICE 27 X X XX

HOPE X X X X X X X
Project / CCR 18 X X X X XX X
X
Safe 4 Fam,
Harbor/CC 9 Ind

Path 9
Project/ CC

Home Again 12 XX X X X
Butler

County/CC

254

Program/ # of Single Single age: age: age: Domestic Single Two Chronic Homeless At-Risk of D&A MH Veteran Permanent
units Female Male 18-21 18-24 18-62 Violence parent parent Homeless Homeless Emergency Transitional Supportive
Agency family family
VASH Housing (18 to 24 mos) Housing

Vouchers/

BCHA 75 XX X

Winter XX X X X
Relief Center
*Nov. 15 to
March 31, 27
degress and

below

Supportive XX X XX X X
Housing/ XX X X
Care Center XX X X
Full Care
CRR/ Care
Center
Partial Care
CRR/ Care

Center

Respite- X X X XX
Diversion/ X X
Care Center 3 X X X XXX X X
Interim Apt. 43M, X
XX X XX
CRR 8F
Oxford
House

Chronic Homelessness: Continuously homeless (in a place not meant for human habitation or in emergency shelter) for one year or homeless 3 times in the
past 4 years.

255

Key and Contact Information:
BCHA- Butler County Housing Authority, (724) 287-6797
LH- Lighthouse Foundation, (724) 898-4673
VOICe- Victim Outreach Intervention Center, 1-800-400-8551
CCR- Center for Community Resources, (724) 431-3748
CC- Catholic Charities, (724) 287-4011
ISCMHC- Irene Stacy Community Mental Health Center, (724) 287-0791
VASH Vouchers- Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Vouchers

256

Housing Resources in Butler County

Rental Housing 724-285-6168 Alpine Apartments 724-283-4496
724-282-3472 Cunningham Shanor 724-283-1220
Apartments 724-679-2772 DeFrancisis Holdings 724-816-5538
724-285-7690 Eastwood Village Inn 724-287-0300
John Bergbigler 724-712-3323 Home Realty 724-283-1216
Ralph Bergbigler 724-321-1652 Madison Grove Apts. 724-738-0200
Ron Coulter 724-352-2057 Whitestown Village 724-287-0705
Monty Edgar 724-822-3085
Dennis Herrit 724-282-3929
John Marten 724-287-4971
James Moser 724-290-8937
Garret Musko
Ray Oesterling
Rue Snider
Bill Stoughton

Family Apartments (may be a waiting list)

Alpine Apartments 724-283-4496 Madison Grove Apts. 724-738-0200
Green Mountain 724-285-7690 *Old Plank Estates 724-283-7473
Real Estate *Greenview Gardens 724-282-3535

Sleeping Rooms

Ray Osterling Bill Stoughton 724-290-8937
(men only)
Steve Green 724-282-3929 (apts. Also) 724-991-1388 or 724-287-9163
724-355-9912

Senior Housing

*Butler Arbors 724-283-4904 *Park Manor 724-282-7576
*Cliffside & Terrace 724-287-6797 *Sunbury Fields 724-285-1222
*Lafayette Building 724-287-6797

Housing Counseling

If you struggle to pay your rent/mortgage on a regular basis, contact a Housing Counselor through the
Housing Authority of Butler County at 724-287-6797.

Homeless Services

If you are homeless or at-risk of becoming homeless, contact Catholic Charities at 724.287-4011.

*Rent based on income

257

BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS Beth A. Herold, RN, BSN, MBA
Administrator
Leslie A. Osche, Chairman
Kimberly D. Geyer, Vice Chairman
Kevin E. Boozel, Secretary

Building 3, Sunnyview Home Complex - 111 Sunnyview Circle 12
Suite 101 – Butler, PA 16001-3547
9 32 0
Butler County
8 Years 1

4 of 6
Service

Area Agency on Aging

Phone (724) 282-3008 Fax (724) 282-1466 Toll Free 1-888-367-2434

Fax (724) 283-6844 Protective Service (724) 283-6955

[email protected]

Personal Care Facilities in Butler County

Facility and Fees Capacity PCH Sup. Amenities
Contact Information
Adult Living at Rosebrook $1,860/month 100 Yes  Smoking
723 South Pike Road semi-private permitted
136 Medicare,
Sarver, PA 16055 $2,650- all Medicaid  Handicap
724-295-4300 $3,700/month private approved, accessible
large private Highmark,
Contact: Dena Shelton, $2,650/month Blue Cross  Rehabilitation
Deidre Smith-Henry and IV therapies
handicap Health
Bendview Personal Care accessible America,  Wound care
1168 Herman Road $1,910- UPMC,  Rehab s/p heart
Butler, PA 16002 2,090/month Private
724-287-7456 couple suite surgery
(per person) Pay  Handicap
Contact: Paul and
Nancy Edwards, Owners $1500/month accessible
private  Continuing Care
SSI
Retirement
semi-private Community
 Smoking
permitted
outside only

258

Facility and Contact Fees Capacity PCH Sup. Amenities
Colonial Gardens Call for 40 Yes  Pets permitted
Guest House current rates  Handicap accessible
 Smoking permitted
121 Steppland Road
Butler, PA 16002 outside
724-586-5121  Air conditioned
 Barber (monthly)
Contact: Linda Mueller  Podiatrist/Pedicurist
RN, Administrator/Owner  Beepers on all exits
 Handicap accessible
Concordia at Cranberry $99-109/day 70 No  Smoking permitted
10 Adams Ridge Blvd semi-private 51
Mars, PA 16046 $133-159/day outside
724-779-4300  Independent living
private
Contact: Eric Peat, available
Administrator $92-142/day  Respite/intermediate
Shared
Concordia at the Orchard  Independent living
104 Orchard Way apartments; available
Butler, PA 16001 studios
724-285-9490  Handicap accessible
 Smoking permitted
Contact: Rachel Hortert
outside
Concordia $86-187/day 35 Yes  Short stay accepted
Lund Care Center  Smoking in designated
134 Marwood Road
Cabot, PA 16023 areas
 Nursing facility care
Oertel Care Center
615 N. Pike Road available
Cabot, PA 16023  Handicap accessible
 Short stay accepted
724-352-1571
 Handicap accessible
Contact: Cynthia  Non-smoking facility
 Secured unit available
Reichenbacher  Short stay accepted

Elmcroft at Saxonburg $69/day 123 Yes, with  Non-smoking facility
 Handicap accessible
100 Bella Court Assisted Living third party  RN on staff
 Pets allowed
Saxonburg, PA 16056 $122/day agreement  Short stay accepted
 Long term care
724-352-2827 Dementia
insurance accepted
Contact: Jodi Rodgers Care  VA accepted

Lowrie Place $78-111/day 40 No

100 Stirling Village Drive Additional

Butler, PA 16001 fees for

724-287-2171 second person

www.enlivant.com in unit

Contact: Sarah Kitchner,
Administrator

259

Facility and Contact Fees Capacity PCH Sup. Amenities
Evergreen Assisted $72/day 25 No  Non-smoking facility
semi-private  Nursing facility care
Living Center $82/day
191 Evergreen Mill Rd private available
Harmony, PA 16037  Handicap accessible
$90-153/day 30 No  Short stay accepted
724-452-6970
 Nursing facility care
Contact: Tiffany Straley, available
Kelly White
 Smoking outside only
Fair Winds Manor  Handicap accessible
126 Iron Bridge Road  Short stay accepted

Sarver, PA 16055  Handicap accessible
724-353-1531  Non-smoking facility
 Short stay accepted
Contact: Shelly Mariotti $100/day 22 No
Home 2 Me, Inc. private  Nursing facility care
$90/day available
600 Slippery Rock Road
Slippery Rock, PA 16057 semi-private  Smoking permitted
outside
724-794-5585
 Handicap accessible
Contact: Nancy Buzzard, $4,400- 140 (2 Yes  Short stay accepted
Administrator 5,000/month respite)
 Non-smoking facility
Lutheran Senior Life  Nursing facility care
Passavant Community
Abundant Life Center available
 Handicap accessible
105 Burgess Drive  Wanderguard system
Zelienople, PA 16063

New Haven Court
100 Burgess Drive
Zelienople, PA 16063

724-452-3587

Contact: Marketing Dept. $2,175- 24 Yes, case
Lutheran Senior Life 3,235/month by case
semi-private
St. Johns Specialty Care
500 Wittenberg Way
PO Box 928
Mars, PA 16046
1-800-641-7788

Contact: Janet Casciato,
Director of Admissions

260

Facility and Contact Fees Capacity PCH Sup. Amenities
Meadows Manor $1,800/ 53 (men Yes  Smoking permitted in
Month
Personal Care Home semi-private only) Conditiona designated areas
600 Freeport Road $1,900/ l  NOT handicap
Butler, PA 16002 month 86
private apartmen accessible
724-352-4334 $100/day  Short Stay accepted
respite ts, 18
Contact: Cindy Stivason, $2,995- memory  Special needs unit
4,738/month  24 hour nurse
New Haven Court at $1,600 care
Clearview security supervision
deposit  Pets permitted
100 Newhaven Lane  Scheduled
Butler, PA 16001
724-477-8701 transportation
 Wanderguard system
Contact: Alma Plunkard  Secure unit
 Handicap accessible
Saxony Health Center $77-97/day 77 Yes  Short stay accepted
Seasons at Saxony Personal Care Assisted, No  Handicap accessible
No  Non-smoking facility
223 Pittsburgh Street $115/day 18 No  Nursing facility care
Saxonburg, PA 16056 Alzheimer’s Dementia  Secured dementia unit

724-352-9445 Unit unit  Handicap accessible
 Non-smoking facility
Contact: Andrew Naugle, Contact for 47  Dementia Unit
Administrator current rates
 Adult day and
Sherwood Oaks Personal Alzheimer’s care
Care
 Outside smoking area
100 Norman Drive  Handicap accessible
Cranberry Twp, PA 16066
 Non-smoking facility
724-776-8100  Secured facility
 Handicap accessible
Contact: Lori Greer $2,263- 60  Respite stay available
Shelbourne 2,856/month
semi-private 261
Assisted Living and
Personal Care $3,647-
3,978/month
296 Dinnerbell Road
Butler, PA 16002 private
724-360-3000

Contact: Michelle Knox, $159-164/day 92
Administrator semi-private

Paramount Senior Living $179/day
500 Seven Fields Blvd private
Mars, PA 16046
724-779-5020

Contact: Roxanne Yoho,
Admissions Nurse

Facility and Contact Fees Capacity PCH Sup. Amenities
Pine Haven Home SSI accepted 55 Yes  Smoking permitted
199 Pine Haven Drive  Handicap accessible
Fenelton, PA 16034 $1,080/month 30 Yes  Short Stay accepted
(negotiable) 24
724-445-2482 No  Short stay accepted
Contact for 182  Smoking permitted
Contact: David Paule information 26 Yes  Handicap accessible
Ridgeview
$1,700/month Accepted  Non-smoking facility
Boarding Home semi-private on case  Secured Alzheimer’s
127 McLafferty Road $2,500/month by case
Fenelton, PA 16034 unit
private basis
724-285-8823 No  Handicap accessible
Contact for  Outside smoking area
Contact: Bill or Rates  Short stay accepted
Theresa Furey
 Non-smoking facility
Rosecrest  Nursing facility care
Assisted Living
1000 Graham Way available
PO Box 1285  PT, OT, ST
Mars, PA 16046  Handicap accessible
724-625-1900  Short stay accepted
 Smoking permitted
Nicole Patton,  Respite stay available
Administrator  Nursing facility care
Amity Slippery Rock
Personal Care Home available
276 Ralston Road  Beepers on all exits
Slippery Rock, PA  Handicap accessible

16057
724-794-5680

Contact: Kim
Richardson, Julie

Perrine
The Arbors at
St. Barnabas
85 Charity Place
Valencia, PA 16059
724-625-4000

Contact: Anne Nelson $86-111/day
Chicora Medical Center semi-private
160 Medical Center Rd $123-151/day

Chicora, PA 16025 private
724-445-2000

262

Facility and Contact Fees Capacity PCH sup. Amenities
Washington Manor $1,087.30 25 Yes  Smoking permitted in
320 S. Washington St base fee
$1,107.30/month 35 Yes designated areas
Butler, PA 16001 semi-private  NOT handicap
724-285-8115 $1,495/month
accessible
Contact: Diane private  Short stay accepted
McFeaters, Manager
 Non-smoking facility
Y.W.C.A $1,300-2,000  Handicap accessible
Personal Care  Short stay accepted

Residence
120 W. Cunningham St

Butler, PA 16001
724-287-5709

Contact:
Alison Neiderlander

263

Choosing a Personal Care Home

In Pennsylvania, personal care homes provide a place to live for many elderly and
disabled persons. The location, capacity, monthly rates and services provided to residents vary
from home to home. In general, personal care homes provide safe, secure environments for
individuals who require supervision and assistance with activities of daily living, but who do not
need the services of a licensed long-term care nursing facility. Personal care homes provide 3
meals daily and “personal care services,” which can be defined as assistance with or supervision
of such activities as dressing, bathing, diet, socialization, general supervision, financial
management, evacuation in emergency situations, and administration of medications.

Personal care services are basically the same in both Personal care Homes and Assisted
Living Communities. The different terms were devised as a marketing tool to differentiate
between the variations in housing options. Personal Care Homes are generally small, privately
owned facilities where four to six people live. Assisted Living Communities are one or more
large buildings that house hundreds of consumers. Both types of housing will provide personal
care services. Both housing types permit consumers to exercise choices and freedoms such as
meal selections, bringing in furniture, and activities in and out of the building.

The Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare (DPW) must license any personal care
homes housing four or more unrelated adults. The homes are inspected and monitored by the
Department of Public Welfare on a regular basis according to the provisions of Personal Care
Home Licensing Regulations. They are completely surveyed (inspected) once a year with
unannounced visits at other times throughout the year. Personal care homes are also inspected
by the Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry to insure the safety of each building for
the residents and the staff.

Most personal care homes are privately owned and operated for profit. Some are
managed by non-profit or church related organizations. Others are a distinct part of a larger
facility, which also provides intermediate and/or skilled nursing care.

Neither Medicare nor Medicaid funds are available to pay for the costs of a personal
care home. However, a financial supplement is available to very low-income consumers who
also have limited resources. Eligibility for the Personal Care Home Supplement is determined by
an assessment of the individual’s health and functional status and a review of the resident’s
financial resources. Application for the supplement must be initiated by the facility and should
be discussed with the facility administrator.

Veterans who have served during the war and their surviving spouse may qualify for a
supplemental pension that will offset the cost of personal care. Most admission coordinators of
the personal care community can discuss this with you. You may also contact the Veteran’s
Affairs office in Butler at 724-282-5352.

264

Frequently Asked Questions on Choosing a Personal Care Home

The following are questions that may make the selection of a personal care home easier. It may be helpful
to visit more than one facility for a comparison of staffing, available services, and physical environment.

1. Does the facility have a current state license? What was the result of the last state
survey? Were any deficiencies found?

2. Does the facility offer the specific services needed by the potential resident?

3. Is the home conveniently located and easily accessible?

4. Is the facility clean, neat, and free of odors?

5. Are hallways well lit and equipped with handrails? Are residents moving around
freely?

6. Do resident bedrooms provide adequate space and privacy?

7. Are exits clearly marked and not locked on the inside?

8. Are there attractive, comfortable common areas for resident use?

9. Are activities and religious services available?

10. Are there reasonable visiting hours?

11. Do menus offer a variety of nutritious foods?

12. Is the staff pleasant and helpful? Do they speak to you and residents in your
presence?

13. How do staff members relate to and communicate with residents and each other?

14. Are there provisions for physician and other types of health services?

15. Does the facility’s written agreement address resident rights, monthly charges and
payment provisions, the home’s rules, refund provisions, and the personal care
services to be provided?

16. The Butler County Area Agency on Aging is committed to assuring that individuals
who reside in personal care homes are aware of their rights and provided with
responsible, supervised care in a safe, healthy environment. Any complaints or
concerns regarding personal care facilities located in Butler county should be
addressed to:

Long Term Care Ombudsman Program
Butler County Area Agency on Aging
111 Sunnyview Circle, Suite 101, Butler, PA 16001
Local: 724-282-3008 Toll Free: 1-888-367-2434

Updated February 2016

BUTLER COUNTY HUMAN SERVICES

Area Agency on Aging  Children & Youth Services  Community Action  Drug & Alcohol  Early Intervention & Intellectual Disabilities  Mental Health265

Food
Resources

266

Butler County Food Cupboards

Cabot United Methodist Church Food Bank 3rd Wednesday: 5:30 – 7:00 p.m.

707 Winfield Road Distributes from former Winfield Elementary School

Cabot PA 16023 Area of Service

Contact: Sue Shaltes Buffalo Twp., Winfield Twp., Clearfield Twp.

Beverly Murray Saxonburg Boro

Church 724-352-2074

Call church for referrals and information

FAX 724-352-4530

Family Life Ministries Food Pantry COGOP 3rd Saturday + 8:30 a.m. – 10:30 a.m.

932 Mercer Road Area of Service
Butler, PA 16001 Butler Twp., Center Twp.

Contact: Barb Thompson 724-285-5572 (food pick-up)

Pastor Robert Hile

Covenant Food Cupboard Monday & Thursday: 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m.

230 East Jefferson Street (Last 2 full weeks of each month only)
NOTE: Dates may change depending on holidays.
Butler, PA 16001
Area of Service --Butler City, East Butler Boro & immediate
Contact: David Blewett area

[email protected]

Church 724-287-7731

Fax 724-287-4811

Evans City Food Cupboard 1st & 3rd Fridays: 8:30 – 10:30 a.m.

St. Peters Lutheran Church Must call prior to distribution to register

202 Van Buren Street Area of Service
Connoquenessing, Forward Twp., Meridian, Renfrew,
Evans City PA 16033 Callery, Evans City Boro, and Penn Twp.

Contact: Marilynn McElhinney

Cupboard 724-538-0542

Gleaners Food Cupboard Last Wednesday of the month: 9:00 – 10:00 a.m.

St. Ferdinand’s Church (Annex) Nov & Dec: Check with cupboard for date

2535 Rochester Road

Cranberry Twp. PA 16066 Sign-up by Friday prior to distribution date. Emergency

food as available

Contact: Linda Heery Area of Service -- Cranberry Twp.,

Referrals call: 724-776-2888

FAX: 724-776-2378

Website: gleanersfoodbankcranberry.com

Email: [email protected]

______________________________________________________________________________________________

Loaves and Fishes Food Cupboard Last Saturday of Month: 8:30 – 10:00 a.m.

Summit United Presbyterian Church W/exception of Thanksgiving & Christmas the Saturday before
181 Caldwell Drive Distributes from CCO Bldg (former Jefferson Elem School
Butler, PA 16002
650 Saxonburg Rd
Contact: Dorothy Steighner Butler, PA 16002
Area of Service: Summit Twp., Jefferson Twp.
Or Kay Foertch
Church – 724-287-2378

267











































The Basics of Special
Education Law

What Parents Need to Know
To Get Started

Written by:
Kelly Darr, Esq.
Jennifer Lowman, Esq.

Education Law Center- PA

1315 Walnut Street, 4th Floor
Philadelphia, PA 19107
www.elc-pa.org

PLEASE NOTE: The Education Law Center-PA does not
generally answer calls about special education questions. Callers
with questions about special education problems should call the
Disability Rights Network (DRN) at 1-800-692-7443 or contact one
of the organizations listed under “Where Can I Go If I Need More
Help?” at the end of this booklet.

© 2009 Education Law Center-PA

289

What is special education?

Special education is teaching, services, and supports for
children with disabilities so that they can do well in school.
Public schools (including charter schools) must help
children with disabilities learn by giving them special
education. If your child gets special education, you are
part of a team at your school that decides what your child
needs.

Special education is free. Special education should be
“appropriate.” It should help your child make meaningful
progress. Special education should treat each child as an
individual. Special education is services and supports —
it is not a place where your child must go, and it doesn’t
have to be provided by a special educator!

Can my child get special education services?

Yes, if your child has trouble learning or behaving at
school and has one or more of these disabilities:

• mental retardation
• emotional problems
• an orthopedic disability
• deafness or other hearing problems
• speech or language disability
• autism
• blindness or other vision problems
• traumatic brain injury
• a learning disability in math or reading
• health impairment (can include ADD/ADHD and

Tourette Syndrome)
• deafblindness
• multiple disabilities

1

290

How can I get special education for my child?

You can ask your school to form an evaluation team to
figure out if your child needs special education. This is
called an evaluation. The school cannot do the first
evaluation of your child until you agree.

Your child should be evaluated on everything that is
difficult for her at school. The school will ask you
questions about your child as part of the evaluation. No
one test (such as an IQ test) can decide your child’s
needs.

How do I ask for an evaluation?

• Write a letter to your principal and ask for the school
to evaluate your child. Tell the principal what your
concerns are about your child. Write the date on
the letter. Keep a copy of the letter for yourself.

Need help writing a letter to your school?
Click here for a sample letter, or use this
Permission to Evaluate - Request Form.

• Sign the school’s Permission to Evaluate –
Consent Form and return it to the school. You
should get this form from your school, but if not, be
sure to ask for it.

How long does an evaluation take?

The school must write a report in 60 calendar days (not
counting the summer months) after you sign the
Permission to Evaluate – Consent Form. The report is
called an Evaluation Report (ER). The ER will tell you if
your child should get special education services and what
kind of help she needs.

2

291

You can find an example of the form used to write the
Evaluation Report by clicking here or calling PaTTAN at
1-800-360-7282.

The school must give you a copy of the ER. If your child
is eligible for special education services, the school
should then set up a meeting with you and the IEP Team.
You should get the ER at least 10 school days before
the IEP Team meeting.

What is an IEP?

If your child qualifies for services, you and the Team use
the evaluation to write an Individualized Education
Program (IEP) for your child. The IEP is like a contract to
you from your school. The IEP should tell you what the
school will do to help your child learn, like:

• Use a different way of teaching.
• Make school materials simpler.
• Change the amount or kind of information

your child should learn.
• Provide help on class work, homework, or

tests.
• Give the child services like speech therapy,

physical therapy, or counseling.
• Provide a person to support your child or her

teacher.

You and the Team will write goals for what your child
should learn. The Team must meet to talk about your
child’s IEP and make any changes at least one time a
year. You can ask for a meeting any time you have
questions in the school year.

3

292

How do you and the Team write an IEP?

When you come to the first IEP Team meeting, the school
may have a draft of the IEP for your child. That does not
mean that all the decisions have been made! You are an
equal member of your child’s IEP Team.

• You can talk about all parts of the IEP with the
Team at the meeting.

• You can ask any questions you have about the IEP
at the meeting.

• You can make suggestions about what services and
supports should be in the IEP.

• If the Team needs more time to finish the IEP, the
school should set up another meeting with you and
the rest of the Team.

• You can also ask the school for another meeting if
you have questions or concerns.

You can find more information about how to
write an IEP for your child by clicking here
or calling PaTTAN at 1-800-360-7282.

Where does my child go to get special
education services?

First, the Team should think about the general education
class. Many students with disabilities can learn in their
general education class with supports from their school.
Under the law, children with disabilities should be in
general education classes as much as they can with
supports.

Some special education students may go to a special
class, like a learning support class or an emotional

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support class for some or all of the school day. Some
students may go to a separate school if the public school
is not right for them (although this should not happen
often). The Team (including you) will decide which
placement is right for your child.

Important Note! Special education law says that
children with disabilities should learn in the least
restrictive environment. So even if your child needs
to be in a separate class for part of the day, she should
learn with children who do not have disabilities as much
as possible.

What happens when the IEP Team
is done writing the IEP?

The school will give you a paper called a Notice of
Recommended Educational Placement/ Prior Written
Notice (NOREP/PWN). This is an important paper. Be
sure to read it carefully.

There will be boxes to check on the paper. You can check
that you agree or disagree with the IEP. You can also
check that you would like a meeting with the Team to talk
about it. Sign the paper and give it back to your school in
10 calendar days.

What if I do not agree with my school?
If your school says your child is not eligible for special
education, you may not agree. If your child already gets
special education services, you may not agree with the
re-evaluation the school did, or the program or the
placement your school offers.

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You can:
• set up an IEP Team meeting or a facilitated IEP
Team meeting to talk about it.
• ask for mediation to get help from a neutral person
from the Office for Dispute Resolution (ODR).
• ask ODR for a hearing to deal with the issue.

You also must contact ODR to request mediation or a
hearing. ODR’s number is 1-800-222-3353 and website
is http://odr.pattan.net. If you don’t request mediation or a
hearing within 10 calendar days, the school can follow
its proposed IEP even if you disagree!

You can find more information on how to solve
disagreements with your school with these
links: PEAL Fact Sheet ELC Fact Sheet

If your school does an evaluation of your child and tells
you that your child can be in special education, you may
not agree. The school cannot force your child to be in
special education if you do not think it is right. If you
agree at first that your child should be in special
education, you can later remove your child from special
education at any time.

What if my child does not get the services and
supports in her IEP from her school?

You can file a complaint with the Bureau of Special
Education (BSE). For example, if your child is not getting
one (1) hour of speech therapy like her IEP says, you can
write a letter or fill out a complaint form and send it to
BSE. BSE will call you and your school to investigate
your complaint. BSE will send a report to you within 60
calendar days to let you know how it decided your
complaint.

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You can find more information on how to file a
complaint by clicking here or calling DRN at
1-800-692-7443.

How old does my child need to be
to get special education?

Special education is for children with disabilities from birth
until the end of the school year when they turn 21.

• If your child is under three (3) years old, she will be
in the Infants & Toddlers program. You can find
more information by clicking here or calling DRN.

• If your child is three (3) years old to school age, she
will be in the Early Intervention pre-school
program. The rules for these children are basically
the same as for school-age children.

• When your child turns 14, the IEP Team should
write a transition plan to help your child get ready
for life after high school. You can find more
information by clicking here or calling DRN.

Where can I go if I need more help?

If you have questions, you may contact these
organizations. See our list of Advocacy and Support
Groups for more help in your area.

Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE)
You can call the Special Education ConsultLine of the
Office of Dispute Resolution (ODR)

800-879-2301 (V/TTY)
Visit the PDE website at www.pde.state.pa.us

Click here for PDE’s Parent Guide to Special
Education.

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Visit the Pennsylvania Training and Technical
Assistance Network (PATTAN) website at
www.pattan.k12.pa.us.

There are two parent training and information centers
funded by PDE. If you live in the eastern part of the state,
you can contact the Parent Education Network (PEN)

800-522-5827 (V/TTY)
800-441-5028 (Spanish)

If you live in the western or central part of the state, you
can contact the Parent Education and Advocacy
Leadership Center (PEAL)

866-950-1040 (V)
412-281-4409 (TTY)

For information about help from your local Right to
Education Task Force, click here.

You can contact the Disability Rights Network of
Pennsylvania (DRN) if you have questions about special
education. DRN may be able to help you with your issue,
provide more written information, or otherwise help you
find the help you need. Here is their contact information:

1-800-692-7443 (Voice)
1-877-375-7139 (TDD)
[email protected] www.drnpa.org

The Education Law Center has a lot of information about
special education on its website, www.elc-pa.org. You
can find its “Black and White” manual for parents here.

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Checklist for Parents

… You should request an evaluation of your child in writing.

… School must give you a Permission to Evaluate-Consent
Form. Sign it and return it to school.

… School must ask you about your concerns and get
information about your child.

… School must give you the Evaluation Report in 60 calendar
days (not counting summer months) from when you sign the
Permission to Evaluate – Consent Form.

… If your child is eligible, you should meet with the IEP Team to
write an IEP. School must set up the meeting within 30
calendar days of the Evaluation Report.
o The IEP Team (including you) decides what the
program will be.
o Then the Team decides what the placement will be.

… School must give you a NOREP/PWN that explains what is
being offered to your child.

… You can check the box on the NOREP/PWN that you agree.
Sign the form. Return it to school in 10 calendar days.
OR

… You can check the box that you disagree. Choose the box for
mediation or a hearing. Sign the form. Return it to school in
10 calendar days. Also write or call ODR to ask for mediation
or a hearing.

… School should give you information on how your child is
doing during the school year.

… You can ask for another IEP Team meeting any time if you
have concerns or questions.

… School must have IEP Team meeting at least one time a year.
You and the school make needed changes to the IEP.

… School must evaluate your child at least once every three
years (every two years for children with mental retardation).

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Tips for Parents

• Read all papers from your school before you sign.
If you need more time to read and understand the
papers, take the papers home with you. You do not
have to sign anything at the meeting with the
school.

• Bring a friend, family member, or advocate with you
to the IEP Team meeting. Another person can
support you and help you take notes at the meeting.

• Keep copies of letters you send to the school and
any papers you get from the school.

• At the IEP Team meeting, find out who the contact
person is for your child’s IEP. Write down that
person’s name, phone number, and email address.
Also get the name of the head of special education
for the school district.

• If your school tells you that they will do something
for your child, make sure that the support or service
is written down in the IEP.

• Do not accept excuses from your school. If the IEP
Team agrees that your child needs a support or
service, the school must provide it.

• Read any information your school gives you about
how your child is doing in special education. If you
do not get any information, ask for it in writing. If
you have questions or concerns about your child’s
progress, write a letter asking for an IEP Team
meeting.

• Ask for an IEP Team meeting if your child is having
behavior problems. You and the Team can add
supports in the IEP to help your child.

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Special Education Terms

There are many terms that are unique to special
education. If someone at your school uses a term you
don’t understand, this list may help.

BSE Bureau of Special Education, part of

the Pennsylvania Department of

Education

Chapter 14 Pennsylvania law about special

education

ER Evaluation Report

ESY Extended School Year. Some

children with disabilities need to

have school during the summer and

other times that school is not in

session.

FAPE Free appropriate public education

FBA Functional behavior assessment.

This is a test that the IEP Team can

use to help a child who is having

problems with behaviors at school.

IDEA Individuals with Disabilities

Education Act, the federal law on

special education

IEP Individualized Education Program

LEA Local educational agency, in most

cases your district or charter school

LRE Least restrictive environment

NOREP/PWN Notice of Recommended

Educational Placement/ Prior

Written Notice

ODR Office for Dispute Resolution. ODR

runs mediation and hearings.

PDE Pennsylvania Department of

Education

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Legal
Resources

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