Special Services
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 needs of all of our students.
Evaluation and Services
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.
- Services for children ages 0 to 3 years of age are provided through the TOTE Program in Woodhaven-Brownstown School District.
- Parents can call 1-800-327-5966 or make a referral online to obtain information about an evaluation.
- Parents of high school special education students can follow this link for information regarding a Personal Curriculum.
- 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.
Family/Teacher Resources
Below you will find a list of useful teacher resources compiled by the Special Education team in order to help our teachers best serve our students. Please contact a Special Education teacher in your building if you have any questions regarding the following materials.
Common Core Essential Elements (At a Glance)
Common Core Essential Elements (K-12 Standards)
The documents provided by the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) are Michigan's alternate content standards for English language arts (ELA) and Mathematics. These documents aim to assist educators in understanding the links between the general assessment content standards and the Essential Elements.
Family Resources
Below you will find a list of resources that has been compiled by our District Special Education. These websites are not just for children diagnosed with autism. They have information about healthcare providers, web based resources, recreation, and family support for families with children who have special needs.
- Autism Alliance of Michigan
- The Children’s Center
- Judson Center - Resources for adoptive or foster parents.
- Kids On The Go Camp
- Mills Gymnastics: email: info@millsgymnastics.com If you do not want to sign your child up for a class they have open gym for walking children to 5 year olds, Monday-Friday 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m and Saturday 5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Cost: $5.00 per child/hour. Mills Gymnastic allows your child to participate in a class for free the first visit to see if they like it before joining a class.
- Toy Library
- Sports: Swimming, Baseball, and Bowling
Downriver Panthers: There are no age requirements. (734) 224-2211.
Section 504
