A Note from Special Education Director, Ali Rendulic
Dear ECS Families,
As the Special Education Director, it is my privilege to provide you with this dedicated page that includes important updates and information regarding the continued support and growth of our exceptional students.
First and foremost, I want to express my gratitude for your unwavering commitment to your child's education and well-being. Your partnership and collaboration have played a crucial role in creating an inclusive and nurturing environment for our students to thrive. Your involvement is invaluable, and we appreciate the trust you place in us.
Our dedicated team of educators, specialists, and support staff work diligently to implement innovative strategies and adopt evidence-based practices to ensure individual needs are met effectively. ECS provides a free, appropriate public education to students with disabilities, in accordance with state and federal regulations. In Pennsylvania, the provision of special education services is governed by Chapter 14 of the Pennsylvania Department of Education. Students must be eligible for special education services, meet the eligibility criteria of having a disability as defined by the Department of Education, and be in need of specially designed instruction. Please review the resources below.
In our pursuit of excellence, ECS has several initiatives aimed at enriching your child's educational journey including:
Personalized Learning Plans.
Assistive Technology Advancements.
Professional Development for our staff to continually grow and remain at the forefront of best practices in special education.
Our students are at the heart of everything we do. We remain committed to fostering a nurturing and inclusive learning environment where they feel valued, supported, and celebrated for their unique abilities. Open lines of communication between families and our dedicated staff are vital in this journey, so please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions, concerns, or suggestions you may have.
Thank you once again for your unwavering support and for entrusting us with the privilege of educating and nurturing your child. Together, we will continue to create a brighter future for our exceptional students.
Our Team
Team Vision
Teams of teachers will know their students' needs and have a shared responsibility to support their growth.
Teachers & teams will use data to make programming decisions for students based on their needs, considering the whole continuum of Special Education services.
IEP Teams include and involve all members (especially families) to support student growth.
Programming will support student growth in academics and social-emotional skills, as well as our ECS pillars of collaboration, commitment, catalyst, and character.
Team Mission
The Special Education Team's mission is to holistically nurture the growth of exceptional students through inclusive, student-centered practices and data-driven, targeted instruction.
Our Special Education Department staff, students and families are supported by 2 Directors, 2 School Psychologists and an Administrative Assistant. Reach out with any needs or questions at the info listed below.
Special Education News at ECS
Intermediate School Psychologist
stephanie.cole@ecspgh.org
ext. 9620