Special Education

District 90 offers a continuum of services for any River Forest student who may qualify for services under Section 504 or the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Under either provision, District 90 supports the intent of the federal and state mandates to meet student needs in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) for those who meet eligibility requirements. We also provide an Inclusive Preschool Program for children, beginning at age 3. If your child attends a school in District 90, please contact one of the staff members listed below.

Special Services Staff

Denise Matthews, Director of Special Education
Kacie Bair, Willard School Psychologist/Team Leader
David Gauthier, Special Education Team Facilitator
Yolanda (Jolie) Feliciano, Accounts Payable/Special Education Clerk
Courtney Orcholski, Roosevelt (Grades 6, 7 and 8) School Psychologist/Team Leader
Kara Orlando, Lincoln/Roosevelt (Grade 5) School Psychologist/Team Leader

Inclusion Preschool

Forms

Click the links below to download PDFs.

Special Education Advisory Committee

The Special Education Advisory Committee was created to foster communication, discussion, and collaboration related to topics that impact special education programs and initiatives. Our Committee welcomes new parents/guardians.

Contact Denise Matthews, Director of Special Education, at [email protected] if you are interested in becoming a member of the Special Education Advisory Committee.

Special Education Advisory Committee Meeting Dates:

October 10, 2018 - 7:00 p.m.- 8:00 p.m. in the Roosevelt School, Library Learning Center
February 20, 2019 - 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
April 11, 2019 - 7:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Welcome to Holland by Emily Peri Kingsley

Events

LOSS Teen Support Group Monthly Meetings
Oak Park AYSO VIP Registration
Aspire offers a variety of programs for parents and children each month.
- Friendship social skills group
- Alert Group
Community Support Services Parents Night Out. Second Saturday of every month from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. Children are cared for at the River Forest Community Center while parents enjoy respite.
Oak-Leyden Developmental Services
WSSRA Fall 2018 Brochure

Brochures/Information

Click the links below to download PDFs.

Helpful Resources

Test Preparation Suggestions
Community Support Services:Provides services for children and adults with developmental disabilities and for their families, including respite care.
IllinoisParents.org: A clearinghouse of resources for families and schools, aimed at strengthening school communities
Illinois State Board of Education: Provides legal information and resources.
Oak Park and River Forest High School: To go directly to the OPRF High School special education page, please click here.
Understanding PUNS: Prioritization for Urgency of Need for Services
Suburban Access: Offers case management and service coordination to individuals with developmental disabilities throughout the south and west suburbs of Cook County.
State of Illinois Developmental Disabilities and PUNS (Prioritization of Urgency of Need for Services) resources. The PUNS information can be found in FAQs.
West Suburban Special Recreation Association (WSSRA): Provides year-round recreation programs for children and adults who have a physical impairment, a mental disability, or any other type of disability.
National Pediatric Developmental Differences Forum: Provides information and resources to support children with developmental differences.

Special Education/Section 504 Services