Students receiving special education services in the Kennewick School District have an Individualized Education Plan, or IEP, which is a written document that lays out the supports and services they need to thrive and succeed in school.

Members of IEP teams work together to develop appropriate programs to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities. IEP teams are made up of special education teachers, school psychologists, speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists, physical therapists, teachers of the visually impaired, teachers of students with autism and technology specialists.

IEP teams also include parents, students (when appropriate), general education teachers, counselors, school nurses and administrators.

In KSD, special education teachers and other service providers create individual programs for students who are identified as having a disability and need a specialized educational program. Our district maintains continuum-of-service options (for example, in-class, pull-out, resource support, consultation, monitor, special class, homebound tutoring, work experience, etc.).

The speech/language pathologists provide assessment and services for students who have difficulties with articulation skills, language disorders or delays, hearing impairment, fluency or vocal quality. They work with other service providers and parents to develop appropriate individualized services.

Occupational and physical therapists work with students who are physically or orthopedically impaired and in need of services to support their learning experience. Their services include assessment, direct therapy and consultation. They may also assist with leisure skills, community integration activities and coordination with medical personnel.

Kennewick School District offers the Community and Employment Transition (CET) program as an option after the comprehensive high school experience that provides transition services for students/young adults receiving special education services between the ages of 18-21 years old. These services align with the student’s age-appropriate transition assessment, post-secondary goals, and course of study outlined in their IEP. CET’s primary mission is to assist participants obtain job internships and career exploration. 

Read More About CET

As appropriate, other services may be available for students from the teachers of the visually-impaired, educational technology specialists, school nurses, school counselors and school psychologists. These professionals can participate as needed in the design and implementation of individualized educational services. In-service opportunities are provided throughout the school year for specialists, special education teachers, general education teachers, para-educators, parents and administrators.

Screenings for children ages 3 to 5 are offered regularly at Keewaydin Discovery Center. If your child is a preschooler and you have concerns about their development, you’re encouraged to take advantage of this free service. Vision, hearing and motor coordination screening is provided, as well as information on how well your child is doing with language, learning and behavior skills.

The Benton Franklin Children’s Center provides early intervention for children from birth through age 2. For more information, call (509) 735-1062.

If your child will be entering kindergarten next year and you have concerns about their development in any of these areas, screening is especially advised.