Special Education
The MelNAP Special Education Department strives to focus on our student’s strengths to help them achieve their highest potential. We are committed to provide students with a free and appropriate education in the least restrictive environment consistent with federal and state laws. Students are eligible through our evaluation process of having an identified disability according to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Michigan Administrative Rules of Special Education (MARSE).
Our highly skilled staff is committed to meeting the diverse needs of all students regardless of the type of disability or severity of need. The MelNAP Special Education Team collaborates with families and general education teachers to provide the best services based on the needs of students.
Our buildings provide inclusive settings for all of our students where they feel accepted and receive an education allowing each student to reach his or her potential. We offer a continuum of services to meet the ne
eds of all of our students.
An integral part of the Special Education Department is to provide evaluation services for all students suspected of having a disability. Parents or guardians can request an evaluation at any time if a child is suspected of having a disability. This evaluation is conducted by a team of educational specialists. An evaluation can be obtained for your child even before they start school. If you have concerns about your child’s development (age 3-5), please contact Judy Maggard at (313) 389-3300 to request an evaluation. If you have concerns about your child’s education and suspect a disability please contact the Special Education Director, at (313) 928-1381 or email Jennifer DiMilia to request an evaluation.
Parents of high school special education students can follow this link for information regarding a Personal Curriculum.
Please click here for our procedures for determining a Specific Learning Disability. When the team does an evaluation for suspected learning disability, they use the following Exclusionary Factors to make eligibility determinations.
Additional Resources can be found on the Michigan Alliance for Families Website.