Special Services Department

VISION STATEMENT
Each student has equitable access to innovative, high-quality instruction in a supportive environment that fosters academic, social, and emotional growth, while closing learning and social gaps in order to enhance student achievement.

SOHC Sparkettes at Options Charter School

Support Options students

Mission Statement

Special education teachers will work collaboratively with general education teachers to provide an appropriate education in the least restrictive environment for all students. Special education supports and services are provided to ensure academic, social, emotional, behavioral, adaptive, and physical needs of all students with disabilities are met. Priority is placed on serving students with disabilities in the general education setting, being taught alongside their general education peers. The majority of our students are served in their general education classrooms. In less common cases, the IEP team may determine that alternative instruction or an alternative placement may be required to meet the needs of the individual student.

Special Education Staff

Michelle Olsen: Director of Special Education
Matthew Petersen: Assistant Director of Special Education
Katie Young: Administrative Assistant
Lisa Chandler: Director of ABA Program
Cierra Golder: Assistant Principal of ABA Fishers
Sarah Danks: Assistant Principal of ABA Kokomo

504 Coordinators

Wendy Lucas: Noblesville 504 Coordinator
Amy Westrich: Westfield 504 Coordinator
Emily Swanson: OI North 504 Coordinator
Julie Pownall: OI South 504 Coordinator
Jesse James: OI Middle School 504 Coordinator

ELL/ESL Coordinator

Josh Curry: District Coordinator

General Resources

Parental Rights/Procedural Safeguards

Graduation Pathways

Spanish Notice of Safeguards

IDOE: Resources

Common Acronyms

Guardianship & Alternatives Information

504 vs IEP
Key differences between the two educational support plans
Insource
Provides information about the special education process and provides IEP support to families, including training on various topics
PATINS Project
A state-wide technical assistance network that connects Indiana’s local education agencies (LEAs) to Accessible Educational Materials, Assistive Technology, Professional Development & Technical Support
Social Security Administration
Provides cash assistance to low-income children and adults with disabilities

Transition Resources

Arc of Indiana
Provides information, referrals, and advocacy regarding services for people with developmental disabilities
Bureau of Developmental Disabilities
Services for individuals with developmental disabilities that enable them to live as independently as possible in their community
Indiana Council on Independent Living
Provides information and peer support to individuals with disabilities regarding independent living services
Indiana Disability Rights
Provides information and resources in regard to rights of individuals with disabilities.
Indiana Secondary Transition Resource Center (IIDC)
Center on Transition provides resources and technical assistance to families and professionals.
Indiana Resource Center for Autism (IRCA)
Providing workshops, articles, materials, and resources designed to support individuals with autism
Pre-ETS
Provides individualized services to ensure students have access to meaningful career planning in order to help with the seamless movement from high school to employment or post-secondary training.
Vocational Rehabilitation
Provides individualized services to enhance and support people with disabilities to prepare for, obtain or retain employment after.