Educational Services
Region 9 provides broad-based educational services to support children and families in member school districts. These services include both general and special education supports through direct services, technical assistance, and professional development.
Special Education and Related Services Support
Region 9 supports member districts with the provision of special education and related services, guiding compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and New Mexico Administrative Code (NMAC).
This includes:
- Providing ongoing professional development
- Collaborating regularly with Special Education Directors
- Completing comprehensive evaluations, as outlined in NM TEAM
- Participating in Eligibility Determination Team (EDT) meetings
- Attending Individual Education Program (IEP) meetings
- Providing related services (e.g., Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech/Language Pathology, Social Work, School Psychology, Nursing)
General Education Supports
The R9 Educational Service Department offers training and support to ensure that general and special education teachers and principals meet the educational requirements of their district and the New Mexico Public Education Department (NMPED). Our department is dedicated to providing various general education best practices to enhance the success of our member districts.
This includes access to:
- Professional Development (District PD Request Form) - Professional development provides additional support in teacher mentorship, curriculum alignment, lesson planning, common core state standards, NM teacher evaluation, crisis prevention, instructional coaching, student assistance team, Section 504, and positive behavior interventions and supports, among other educational regulation requirements for general and special education.
- EdTech Specialist Supports - R9 also houses an educational technology specialist who provides personalized professional development services to our member districts. This tailored approach helps educators integrate technology in schools effectively, ensuring their unique needs are met.
- Child Find Screenings - Region 9 Child Find support is a collaborative effort. It includes free screenings for member districts’ community children and aspires to increase efficiency and collaboration between early childhood program providers, community resources, and school districts. Together, we work towards locating, identifying, and evaluating children at risk for developmental delays.
- Medicaid School Based - School districts in Capitan, Carrizozo, Cloudcroft, Corona, Hondo, Ruidoso, and Tularosa in New Mexico can receive Medicaid reimbursement funds to improve health services for children. Schools can seek reimbursement for specific Medicaid services provided to Medicaid-eligible children through Medicaid Administrative Claiming. The State Human Services Department plans to cover a range of healthcare services, including health-related equipment, personnel development and training activities for healthcare providers, and school-based health clinics.
- Gifted and Math Coaches - Region 9 Gifted Program teachers collaborate with member districts to ensure adherence to the New Mexico Administrative Code (NMAC) 6.31.3 standards. The teachers' responsibilities are multifaceted, encompassing the development and implementation of comprehensive Gifted Program Plans. In addition to plan development, the Gifted Program teachers are actively involved in various processes, including gifted screenings, referrals, evaluations, and case management. The heart of their work lies in providing appropriate and effective instruction that aligns with each student’s goals and potential. Region 9 Gifted Program teachers aim to facilitate successful outcomes for their students, helping them to achieve their full potential and excel in their educational pursuits.
- Native American Liaison - Region 9 provides a Native American liaison to support Native American families in member districts with navigating and understanding the special education process. Additionally, the Native American liaison provides professional development on cultural sensitivity and coordinates Region 9 Consortial Equity Council.