Special Education Overview
Kara Carwell
Director of Special Education
kara.carwell@hillsdale-isd.org
P: (517) 689-1812
F: (517) 439-4388
The HCISD provides the following special education programs & services:
ASD Support Services
Occupational Therapy
Physical Therapy
Speech and Language
Social Work Services
Visual Impairment Services
Hearing Impairment Services
Transition Services
Young Adult Transition Program
Severe Multiple Impairment Program
Severe Cognitive Impairment Program
Moderate Cognitive Impairment Program
Emotional Impairment Program
If you feel your child or student may need one of these services or programs, please contact your school district to request testing.
Mission
The mission of the Special Education Department is to provide quality educational experiences throughout each student’s world which include least-restrictive opportunities for all of the students we serve.
Special Education
The Hillsdale County Intermediate School District, in cooperation with the eight local districts and two public school academies, develops, implements and coordinates special education services and programs for all eligible disabled students who qualify for special education services.
The combined school districts in Hillsdale County have a total school enrollment of approximately 5,717 students and directly serve 819 special education students in various programs or approximately 14 percent of our school population.
The Intermediate and local school districts provide special education in regular and special education classroom programs for students with the following disabilities:
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Early Childhood Developmental Delay
Emotional Impairment
Hearing Impairment
Learning Disabled
Mild Cognitive Impairment
Moderate Cognitive Impairment
Other Health Impairment
Physical Impairment
Severe Cognitive Impairment
Severe Multiple Impairment
Speech and Language Impairment
Traumatic Brain Injury
Visual Impairment
Each child's abilities are considered in the planning of an individualized education program. The guiding principles of services provided are free and appropriate public education and the least-restrictive environment.
Referral Process
Early On
Any child from birth to age 3 years who is demonstrating a delay in their development, has a medical diagnosis that may impact their development, or has other risk factors impacting their development may be eligible for Early On. Early On is an early intervention program that works with the family in their natural environment to enhance and support a child's growth and development. If you have concerns about your child's development, don't worry, but don't wait. Call 1-800-Early On (1-800-327-5966) or visit the Early On website online at https://www.1800earlyon.org/
Early Childhood Special Education
Prior to entering Kindergarten, a child demonstrating significant delays in any area of development may qualify for special education services. Services may include teacher support, speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, social work services, services for deaf, and hard of hearing or visual impairment, or other consultive services. To request an evaluation to determine your child's eligibility for early childhood special education, please contact the HCISD Early Childhood Department at 517-689-1818. Make sure to listen to the prompts carefully as # must be pressed prior to entering the extension number. You can also contact us through email at: hcisd.earlyintervention@hillsdale-isd.org
K-12 Evaluations
Children ages 7-26 in whom you suspect any deficiency or delay.
Contact your child's local school administrator.
Non-Public/Private/Homeschool Special Education Service Request
CONTACT: Kara Carwell, 517.689.1812 or Shivawn O'Heran 517.689.1804
Complaint Procedures: