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Support Services

Equity and Inclusion

If you have any questions about the programs of services that are offered at Winnetka Public Schools, please contact:

Denise Matthews
Assistant Superintendent of Student Services Equity and Inclusion
847-446-9400 ext 2622
 
Jackie Schwartz
Director of Student Services Equity and Inclusion
847-446-9400 ext 2822
 
Carolin Huh
Administrative Assistant to the Assistant Superintendent of Student Services, Equity & Inclusion
(847) 501-2735 ext 2735
Working on a project

The Department of Student Services, Equity & Inclusion provides a multidisciplinary team approach when evaluating students to determine need for specialized instruction and/or serviceThis team approach is sustained when providing special education services to children who meet eligibility requirements. Special education services are available to all students who may qualify from age three through the completion of eighth grade. Our goal is to provide an appropriate level of services and supports that will enable each student to demonstrate academic growth. We believe that a collaborative partnership between school and home will best serve all students who attend Winnetka Public Schools.

We are committed to:
  • Identifying students who may need specialized instruction early and then developing appropriate interventions as warranted.
  • Creating and implementing Individual Educational Plans (IEPs) for students who require special education services.
  • Providing a continuum of services within the least restrictive environment (LRE) where students who require special education services will have opportunity to receive instruction in general education classrooms to the greatest extent possible.


District Services for Preschool-Aged Children

Preschool Services

District 36 partners with three local preschools to provide students with a positive, nurturing environment that fosters social, emotional, physical, and cognitive growth and development. This program allows preschool students to access an environment, materials, and curriculum that help prepare them for Kindergarten. The District conducts developmental screenings for children in order to provide targeted interventions and resources to address areas of identified developmental need.

Itinerant speech-language services are provided at Skokie School for eligible students.

DEVELOPMENTAL SCREENING

District 36 partners with the TrueNorth Cooperative (formerly NSSED) to complete ongoing screenings for children between the ages of 2 years 10 months to 5 years old. Our screening process allows the early childhood team to identify whether children are meeting their developmental milestones. Children are screened in the following areas of development:

  • Communication is the child’s ability to use language to express wants and have needs met. Communication also includes the child’s ability to understand what others are saying. 

  • Fine Motor & Gross Motor skills are how students use their bodies within their environment. Gross motor skills are large body movements such as jumping, while fine motor skills are how children use their hands and fingers. 

  • Problem Solving is the child’s ability to learn and play with objects.

  • Personal-Social skills are the child’s skills related to social play and self-help.

HOW DO I KNOW IF I SHOULD BE CONCERNED ABOUT MY CHILD’S DEVELOPMENT?

All children develop at different rates and there is a wide range of “typical development” at this age. Below is a link that will provide guidelines for you to consider regarding your child’s development. If you are unsure whether you should be concerned, please talk to your child’s pediatrician or contact Denise Matthews, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services, Equity and Inclusion (denisematthews@winnetka36.org). View information on children’s developmental milestones.

WHAT IF MY CHILD IS YOUNGER THAN 2 YEARS 10 MONTHS OLD? 

Families are encouraged to talk with their pediatricians about child development concerns. In addition, families can contact Child & Family Connections  at (847) 385-5070

Students looking at a book.

TrueNorth Educational Cooperative 804 (formerly NSSED)

The Winnetka Public Schools District 36 is a member of the TrueNorth (formerly NSSED) special education cooperative. TrueNorth provides specialized programming and services to our students who require more support than that typically offered in a public school. This includes, but is not limited to, early childhood programs, educational and life skills (ELS) programs, therapeutic day school programs, services for students who have autism spectrum disorders. Assistive technology assessments and services are also available. TrueNorth also provides professional development opportunities and consultation services to school faculty and staff.

Northwest Suburban Special Education Organization (NSSEO)

The Winnetka Public Schools District 36 is a member of the Northwest Suburban Special Education Organization (NSSEO). NSSEO provides diagnostic and itinerant services for students who have hearing impairments and also provides specialized programs for students who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Homebound Instruction

Any student who is expected to be absent from school for two or more consecutive weeks for medical reasons may be eligible for homebound instruction. A medical referral is warranted for this support. The form for medical certification for home/hospital instruction can be found here. Please contact your student's building principal for more information about homebound services.
If you have any questions about the programs of services that are offered at Winnetka Public Schools, please call Denise Matthews, Assistant Superintendent of Student Services, Equity & Inclusion at denisematthews@winnetka36.org or call 847-446-9400 ext. 2622

Contact Us

CAROLIN HUH

CAROLIN HUH

Titles: ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Email:
DENISE MATTHEWS

DENISE MATTHEWS

Titles: ASST SUPT STUDENT SERV, EQUITY
Email:
JACKIE SCHWARTZ

JACKIE SCHWARTZ

Titles: DIR STUDENT SERVICES, EQUITY &
Email: