• Special Education Services

    Hazelwood Schools partners with Special School District of St. Louis County (SSD) to provide special education services to eligible students in accordance with federal, state and local regulations. Eligible students receive specially designed instruction and services in order to progress toward educationally relevant annual short- and long-term goals as outlined by the student's Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

    The Special School District of St. Louis County's unique status as a public school district ensures that all eligible local students receive equal access to quality special education services. In collaboration with the Hazelwood School District, SSD provides technical education and a wide variety of individualized educational and support services designed for each student's successful contribution to our community.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    How does a student qualify for special education services?

    To qualify as a student with an educational disability, students must have been evaluated and determined by a team, including the parents, to meet the Missouri criteria for one of thirteen educational disabilities. There are multiple steps that take place prior to conducting an educational evaluation such as identifying educational concerns and working to provide interventions and strategies to address the noted concerns. When interventions are not sufficient to diminish the educational concerns, additional action will be taken beginning with your child's school.

    What is an evaluation for special education?

    The intent of an educational evaluation is to gather information about a student’s performance and/or suspected disabilities. This evaluation is completed utilizing formal and informal assessments and data collected by the school. The results will be utilized in order to identify whether a student is eligible for special education services and to determine the strengths and needs of the child. Special

    What is an IEP?

    An IEP, an abbreviation for Individualized Education Program, is an official document that outlines the special education services that will be provided to an eligible student. These services are determined by the IEP Team during a meeting that occurs at least once annually, and more often as required to support the individual student. 

    Special Education

    Special education and related services are available for students with educational disabilities starting on their third birthday and continuing to age 21.

    Preschool-aged children with special needs who are eligible for special education services can access those services in a variety of educational environments by contacting the Hazelwood Early Childhood Special Education Department.

    For students kindergarten-eligible through twelfth grade, special education services are provided by a wide array of professionals within the Hazelwood School District through a partnership with Special School District of St. Louis County. These professionals include special education teachers, speech/language pathologists, autism specialists, occupational/physical therapists, and many other certified and classified professionals.

    Questions regarding special education in the Hazelwood School District can be directed to:

    • Monica Miller-Seawood, Assistant Superintendent for Student Services
    • Dr. Jana Schaefer, Coordinator of Special Education and SSD Liaison for Hazelwood Schools
    • Dr. Stacy Ray, Director of Early Childhood Education

    Please contact the Special School District’s Special Non-Public Access Program (SNAP) to inquire about the special education process for home schooled or private/parochial children aged 5-21 years who reside within the boundaries of Hazelwood School District who may have special education needs. You may also call the SNAP office at 314-989-8460.

    Special School District offers great parent resources that help guide you through the IEP process. Check them out here: Family and Community Engagement (FACE) or at 314-989-8460.