Region IX provides broad-based and comprehensive educational services to support children, families, member school districts, and communities. Direct services include early identification and intervention services for children, support for preschool and school age students with special needs, support for students to transition into the post-secondary setting, and technical assistance for member districts in the areas of regulatory compliance, service delivery, program implementation, and professional growth.

Child Find screenings are conducted to help districts identify students who might be in need of early intervention services. Comprehensive screenings provide valuable information to schools and families regarding the developmental needs of children. Free developmental screenings are provided in collaboration with communities and member school districts through REC IX to help locate, identify, and evaluate children with developmental delays or disabilities ages three through 21. Collaboration between community resources, early childhood program providers, and school districts increases the efficiency of services to children and families and maximizes their educational support.

Child Find and Kindergarten registration dates are confirmed for all seven member districts as follows:

• April 4, 2013 - Corona Schools
• April 16, 2013 - Carrizozo High School Gymnasium
• April 18, 2013 - Capitan - Cummins Gymnasium
• April 25, 2013 - Cloudcroft Elementary School
• April 26, 2013 - Hondo School Multi Purpose Room
• April 30, 2013 - Tularosa Elementary School
• May 7, 2013 - Ruidoso Convention Center

REC IX supports the provision of related services for special education programs for member districts. Related service personnel provide supports that are required to assist a child with a disability to benefit from special education instruction. Related services include speech/language pathology, audiology services, physical and occupational therapy, psychological services, school social work, early identification and assessment of disabilities in children, vocational rehabilitation counseling, orientation and mobility services, and nursing services.

The outcome of the post-secondary transition service is to provide young adults with the necessary skills to become successful adult citizens. Transition services are incorporated into special education programming and focus on supporting students to achieve their vision for the future. REC IX staff members provide training in the development of transition services within school districts and also serve as liaisons with outside agencies to facilitate successful transitions.

Special education services are determined based on federal and state regulations. REC IX staff works closely with school districts to ensure implementation of Student Assistance Teams to support appropriate identification of students suspected of having a disability. If a disability is suspected, a full and individual evaluation is completed by licensed school staff. REC IX provides targeted professional development and technical assistance to support staff in conducting full and comprehensive individual evaluations. If a student is determined to be eligible for special education, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is developed. The IEP is the legal document that outlines the support for students in special education. REC IX staff members provide technical assistance in the development, implementation, and interpretation of the IEP process for families and staff.

EPSS is the district document which identifies need based on school data and outlines plans for improving student success. REC IX staff work closely with member districts to support data-driven decision-making and resulting evidence-based instructional supports. Regional, district, and individual staff support are provided based on identified needs.

REC IX provides training support for mentorship, three-tiered licensure and dossier development, Family Educational Rights & Privacy Act, reporting suspected abuse and neglect, and educational regulation requirements.

Parents as Teachers (PAT) is a voluntary early-learning program for parents with young children. It is a how-to program based on the belief that parents are our children’s first and most important teachers. The goal of PAT is to help all parents give their children the best possible start in life. The program provides methods and insights to help parents enjoy the pleasures of raising children as well as the opportunity to participate in weekly playgroups. All services are provided at no cost to the family and include weekly play groups in Ruidoso on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10:15 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. If you are interested in participating, please contact the Dahn Freed, Educational Services Manager at (575) 257-2368 ext. 112.