Special Education Services

Continuum of Services and Supports

The Special Education Department provides a continuum of services and supports based on student need so that every child with a disability will graduate ready for further education and/or the workforce. We place a high emphasis on developing self-advocacy skills and independence with all our students' at all developmental levels. Special education staff implement evidenced-based interventions and practices and use data driven decision making to assure all students are receiving high quality instruction. We provide support and intervention services to promote academic achievement, social and emotional development, language and motor development and functional behavior.

Power of Peer Supports (POPS)

POPS is a Peer-mediated support strategy involving one or more peers providing assistance to a classmate with more significant special needs. Peer-mediated support strategies involve teaching peers to promote academic, social, and/or communication outcomes for students with disabilities by supporting skill acquisition or increasing school participation. Peers participate in orientation sessions where they learn social and academic support strategies for use within both teacher-directed
and student-initiated activities. Students with and without disabilities gain familiarity with working together.

Parents are our Partners

We believe strongly that parents are our partners in helping children achieve at high levels and encourage home school collaboration. We partner with the Wisconsin Statewide Parent-Educator Initiative (WSPEI) and Cooperative Education Service Agency (CESA) #7 to provide parent liaison services to parents and educators supporting children with special needs in the Kohler School District. These supports can assist parents and educators to work together to promote effective partnerships through positive communication, collaboration, and training for the purpose of improving education for children and young adults with disabilities.

Parent Advisory Group

In addition, we have an active Parent Advisory Group which meets approximately six times throughout the school year. If you are interested in attending a meeting or would like more information, please contact Cindy Payne, Director of Pupil Services and Special Education.

For more information on Special Education Services in Wisconsin.

Current Special Education Staff

Parent Resources

Parent Resources on a variety of topics (i.e., ADHD, Autism, Disability Rights) are available in the Kohler Public Library under Special Education Parent Resources

Child Find Activities

Every spring the Kohler School District conducts a Child Development Day for all resident children at least 3 years old and for any children attending the district's 4K program the following September. A developmental screening is provided to help identify if a child is developing appropriately. In addition to this screening day, a parent may contact the school district at any time during the school year to have their child screened if they are concerned.

For More Information

For more information regarding Kohler School District's Multi-Level System of Supports, please contact Dr. Cindy Payne, Director of Pupil Services and Special Education.