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Special Education

Winona Area Public Schools embraces its mission in providing a continuum of services to all students. To empower students of all ages to be life-long learners who demonstrate creative thinking, critical analysis and problem solving skills in an ever changing and challenging world.

The district offers special education services for eligible children from birth to age 21 who are residents of the district or attend a public or nonpublic school within the district. Special education is instruction, specially designed to meet the unique needs of a student with a disability. It is provided at no cost to the family.

Eligibility

The district provides special education support to eligible students in the following areas:

Special Education

  • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
  • Deaf/Hard of Hearing (DHH)
  • Developmental Adapted Physical Education (DAPE)
  • Developmental Cognitive Disabilities - Mild/Moderate (DCD-MM)
  • Developmental Cognitive Disabilities- Severe/Profound (DCD-SP)
  • Early Childhood Special Ed (ECSE)
  • Emotional/Behavior Disability (EBD)
  • Occupational/Physical Therapy: (OT/PT)
  • Other Health Disabilities (OHD)
  • Physically Impaired (PI)
  • Specific Learning Disability (SLD)
  • Speech/Language Impairments
  • Visually Impaired (VI)

Other

  • School Psychologist
  • School Social Worker
  • Student Health Services

If you suspect your child has a disability, or if you have questions about special education services, please contact your child's teacher, building principal, or the Special Education Office.

Early Childhood Special Education

Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) services are designed for children from birth until kindergarten enrollment who have been identified with a delay in development. Evaluations and services are provided at no cost to the parents.

  • Early Intervention Services for children birth through age two are provided in their natural environments through the public school system. A variety of service providers which may include an early childhood special education teacher, physical therapist, occupational therapist or speech/language clinician may provide direct services or consult with your child's team based on the family and child's identified needs.
  • Preschool Special Education services for students age three to Kindergarten entrance are typically provided in early learning environments. Specialized services such as speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, developmental adaptive physical education (DAPE), early childhood special education, and busing are provided based on the student's needs within their learning environment.

If you have concerns about a child in either of these age group, please make a referral in through one of the available options listed. Someone from the district will contact you to follow up with your concerns.

If you would like more information about early childhood development or to make a referral through the Minnesota Help Me Grow system, visit the Help Me Grow website at http://helpmegrowmn.org/HMG/index.htm .

Community Transition Interagency Committee (CTIC)

Winona Area Public Schools works with community agencies to ensure appropriate supports and services are available to students preparing for transition from school to the community. They participate in a Community Transition Interagency Committee to address specific areas of focus for students and their families beginning at grade 9 or an equivalent age. Planning is done for:

  • Housing
  • Employment
  • Transportation
  • Recreation/Leisure
  • Post Secondary Education

Who may be on the committee? Members of the committee may include representatives from:

  • special education, vocational and regular education
  • community education
  • postsecondary education and training institutions
  • mental health
  • adults with disabilities who have received transition services if such persons are available
  • parents of youth with disabilities
  • local business or industry
  • rehabilitation services
  • county social services
  • health agencies
  • and additional public or private adult service providers as appropriate.

If you are interested in learning more about this committee or would like to attend meetings, please contact the Special Education Office for more information.

Special Education Advisory Council (SEAC)

In order to increase the involvement of parents of children with disabilities in district policy making and decision making, school districts must have a special education advisory council that is incorporated into the district's special education system plan. (MN Statute 125A.24)

Winona Area Public Schools have a parent led Special Education Advisory Council that meets regularly. If you are interested in learning more about this council or would like to attend meetings, please contact the Special Education Office for more information.

Winona Area Public Schools’ SEAC Mission:

  • To advocate for high quality educational programs for all learners and assure that the School Board and District Administration are informed of special education successes, issues, and concerns.
  • To increase the involvement and add the informed perspective of parents and families of children with disabilities in the making and implementation of District policies.
  • To fulfill the requirements of Minnesota Statute 125A.24.

Related Services

Pat Beckman

Occupational Therapist
District Wide
School: (507)494-0840

Tanya Grabinski

Physical Therapist
District Wide
School: (507)494-0840

Mindy Reinardy

Transition Coordinator, Physical/Health Disabilities Consultant, Assistive Technology Consultant
Winona Senior High School, District Wide
School: (507)494-1611

Laurie Rogers

Occupational Therapist
District Wide
School: (507) 494-0840

Debra Ward

Special Education Teacher, Teacher of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing
District Wide
School: (507)494-0840

Transition Planning School to Adult Living

7th & 8th Grade (Ages 12-14)

  • Assess transition areas and identify future goals by age 14
    • Home Living, Recreation, Community Participation, Employment, Post Secondary
      • Student, Parents/Guardians, Case Manager
  • Actively participate in the development of your Individual Educational Program (IEP)/ Individual Interagency Intervention Program (IIIP)/Individual Service Plan (ISP)
    • Student, Parents/Guardians, School Staff, Agencies
  • Develop awareness of disability and useful accommodations
    • Student, Parents/Guardians, School Staff
  • Determine appropriate plan to meet high school requirements
    • Plan school classes to take
    • Determine level of special education services needed
    • Determine level of participation in required federal, state, and district tests
      • Student, Parents/Guardians, School Staff, Agencies
  • Inquire about a County Case Manager, Social Worker, or Mental Health Case Manager to access community services
    • Student, Parents/Guardians, School Staff
  • Explore Social Security Eligibility
    • Student, Parents/Guardians, Agencies
  • Review Agency Contact Information

9th Grade (Ages 14 & 15)

  • Update information on transition areas, adjust future goals, explore career interests as needed
    • Complete interest inventories (CAREERwise Education, MyNextMove, MCIS)
      • Student, Parents/Guardians, School Case Manager, Guidance Counselor
  • Attend and participate in your Individual Educational Plan (IEP)/ Individual Interagency Intervention Plan (IIIP)/Individual Service Plan (ISP)
    • Student, Parents/Guardians, School Staff, Agencies
  • Develop awareness of disability and useful accommodations
    • Student, Parents/Guardians, School Staff
  • Review and update entire graduation plan to determine appropriateness to meet high school requirements
    • Four year plan of proposed courses o Determine level of participation in
    • Determine target graduation date required federal, state, and district tests
    • Attend parent-teacher conferences o Determine level of special education services needed
  • Student, Parents/Guardians, School Staff
  • Inquire about a County Case Manager, Social Worker, or Mental Health Case Manager to access community services
    • Student, Parents/Guardians, School Staff
  • Explore transportation options
    • Driver’s Permit o Public transportation o Friends and Family
      • Student, Parents/Guardians, School Case Manager, Agencies
  • Obtain State of Minnesota State Identification Card, copy of Social Security Card and copy of Birth Certificate
    • Student, Parents/Guardians
  • Initial discussion on options after high school in:
    • Employment o Housing o Community
    • Education and Training o Recreation and Leisure
      • Student, Parents/Guardians, School Case Manager
  • Explore Social Security Eligibility
    • Student, Parents/Guardians, Agencies
  • Review Agency Contact Information

10th Grade (Ages 15 & 16)

  • Update information on transition areas, adjust future goals, explore career interests as needed
    • Complete interest inventories (CAREERwise Education, MyNextMove, MCIS)
      • Student, Parents/Guardians, School Case Manager, Guidance Counselor
  • Attend and participate in your Individual Educational Plan (IEP)/ Individual Interagency Intervention Plan (IIIP)/Individual Service Plan (ISP)
    • Student, Parents/Guardians, School Staff, Agencies
  • Increase awareness of disability and useful accommodations
    • Student, Parents/Guardians, School Staff
  • Investigate required graduation standards and credits
    • Four year plan of proposed courses and determine target graduation date
    • Determine level of special education services needed
    • Federal, state, and district testing and needed accommodations
    • Explore Post-Secondary Education Options (PSEO) and Eligibility
      • Student, Parents/Guardians, School Staff, Guidance Counselor
  • Inquire about a County Case Manager, Social Worker, or Mental Health Case Manager to access community services
    • Student, Parents/Guardians, School Staff
  • Explore transportation options
    • Driver’s Permit or Minnesota ID Card o Public transportation o Friends and Family
      • Student, Parents/Guardians, School Case Manager
  • Obtain State of Minnesota State Identification Card, copy of Social Security Card and copy of Birth Certificate
    • Student, Parents/Guardians
  • Explore and engage in school, community, and work experience options
    • Student, Parents/Guardians, School Staff, Work Experience Coordinator, Agencies
  • Assess student’s needs for independent living and residential services
    • Student, Parents/Guardians, School Staff, Agencies
  • Explore Post Secondary Education and Training Options
    • On the Job Training or Apprenticeships o Certificate and Diploma Programs
    • Military o 2-year technical or 4-year university
      • Student, Parents/Guardians, School Staff, Agencies
  • Explore Guardianship/Conservatorship
    • Student, Parents/Guardians, Agencies
  • Explore Social Security Eligibility
    • Student, Parents/Guardians, Agencies
  • Review Agency Contact Information

11th Grade (Ages 16 & 17)

  • Update information on transition areas, adjust future goals, explore career interests as needed
    • Complete interest inventories (CAREERwise Education, MyNextMove, MCIS)
      • Student, Parents/Guardians, School Case Manager, Guidance Counselor
  • Attend and participate in your Individual Educational Plan (IEP)/ Individual Interagency Intervention Plan (IIIP)/Individual Service Plan (ISP)
    • Student, Parents/Guardians, School Staff, Agencies
  • Increase awareness of disability and useful accommodations
    • Student, Parents/Guardians, School Staff
  • Investigate required graduation standards and credits
    • Four year plan of proposed courses and determine target graduation date
    • Determine level of special education services needed
    • Federal, state, and district testing and needed accommodations
    • Explore Post-Secondary Education Options (PSEO) and Eligibility
      • Student, Parents/Guardians, School Staff, Guidance Counselor
  • Inquire about a County Case Manager, Social Worker, or Mental Health Case Manager to access community services
    • Student, Parents/Guardians, School Staff
  • Explore transportation options
    • Driver’s Permit or Minnesota ID Card o Public transportation o Friends and Family
      • Student, Parents/Guardians, School Case Manager
  • Obtain State of Minnesota State Identification Card, copy of Social Security Card and copy of Birth Certificate
    • Student, Parents/Guardians
  • Explore and engage in school, community, and work experience options
    • Student, Parents/Guardians, School Staff, Work Experience Coordinator, Agencies
  • Assess student’s needs for independent living and residential services
    • Student, Parents/Guardians, School Staff, Agencies
  • Explore Post Secondary Education and Training Options
    • On the Job Training or Apprenticeships o Certificate and Diploma Programs
    • Military o 2-year technical or 4-year university
      • Student, Parents/Guardians, School Staff, Agencies
  • Explore Guardianship/Conservatorship
    • Student, Parents/Guardians, Agencies
  • Explore Social Security Eligibility
    • Student, Parents/Guardians, Agencies
  • Review Agency Contact Information

12th Grade (Ages 17 & 18)

  • Update information on transition areas, adjust future goals, explore career interests as needed
    • Complete interest inventories (CAREERwise Education, MyNextMove, MCIS)
      • Student, Parents/Guardians, School Case Manager, School Counselor
  • Attend and participate in your Individual Educational Plan (IEP)/ Individual Interagency

Intervention Plan (IIIP)/Individual Service Plan (ISP)

    • Student, Parents/Guardians, School Staff, Agencies
  • Increase awareness of disability, useful accommodations, differences between high school and post-secondary education options
    • Student, Parents/Guardians, School Staff
  • Confirm required graduation standards, credits and graduation date
    • General, state, and district testing and needed accommodations/ determine level of participation
    • review plan of proposed courses/reassess credits for graduation
    • Explore Post-Secondary Education Options (PSEO) and Eligibility
      • Student, Parents/Guardians, School Staff, School Counselor
  • Inquire about a County Case Manager. Social Worker, or Mental Health Case Manager to access community services
    • Student, Parents/Guardians, School Staff
  • Explore transportation options
    • Driver’s Permit or License o Public transportation o Friends and Family
      • Student, Parents/Guardians, Agencies
  • Obtain State of Minnesota State Identification Card, copy of Social Security Card and copy of Birth Certificate
    • Student, Parents/Guardians
  • Explore post-secondary education and training options
    • On the Job Training or Apprenticeships o Certificate or Diploma Programs
    • 2-year technical & community or 4-year university o Military
      • Student, Parents/Guardians, School Staff
  • Participate in school or community work experience
    • Student, Parents/Guardians, School Staff (including Work Experience Program), Agencies
  • Know your rights as an 18 year old with...
    • IEP/IIIP/ISP documentation o Voter Registration o Selective Service registration/exemption
      • Student, Parents/Guardians, School Case Manager, Agencies
  • Awareness of adult rights OR established Guardianship/Conservatorship
    • Student, Parents/Guardians, School Staff, Advocacy Agencies
  • Explore future living arrangements and housing options
    • Student, Parents/Guardians
  • Explore Social Security Eligibility and Apply
    • Student, Parents/Guardians, Agencies
  • Determine need for adult services
    • Residential o Vocational o Mental Health
      • Student, Parents/Guardians, School Staff, Agencies
  • Apply for Vocational Rehabilitation Services and meet with counselor
    • Student, Parents/Guardians, School Staff, Agencies
  • Apply for/confirm Post-Secondary Education
    • Visits o Admission and Housing
    • Complete FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) and apply for Scholarships
    • Take Placement exams (ACT, SAT, ACCUPLACER, ASVAB)
      • Student, Parents/Guardians, School Staff, Agencies
  • Review Agency Contact Information

Ages 18 - 21

  • Update information on transition areas, adjust future goals as needed
    • Student, Parents/Guardians, School Case Manager, Agencies
  • Actively participate in your Individual Educational Plan (IEP)/ Individual Interagency Intervention Plan (IIIP)/Individual Service Plan (ISP)
    • Student, Parents/Guardians, School Staff, Agencies
  • Increase awareness of disability and impact on post-secondary plans
  • Confirm required graduation standards, credits, and graduation date
    • Reassess credits for graduation
    • Reassess the level of participation in federal state and district testing
      • Student, Parents/Guardians, School Staff
  • Inquire and obtain a County Case Manager, Social Worker, or Mental Health Case Manager to access community services
    • Student, Parents/Guardians, School Staff
  • Explore transportation options
    • Driver’s Permit or License o Public transportation o Friends and Family
      • Student, Parents/Guardians, Agencies
  • Obtain State of Minnesota State Identification Card, copy of Social Security Card and copy of Birth Certificate
    • Student, Parents/Guardians
  • Awareness of your adult rights OR established conservatorship/guardianship
    • Student, Parents/Guardians, Advocacy Agencies
  • Register for selective service or exemption
    • Student, Parents/Guardians, Agencies
  • Confirm opportunities after high school in…
    • Employment o Housing o Community
    • Education and Training o Recreation and Leisure
      • Student, Parents/Guardians, School Staff, Agencies
  • Determine need for adult services and Apply
    • Residential o Vocational o Mental Health
      • Student, Parents/Guardians, School Staff, Agencies
  • Explore Social Security Eligibility and Apply
    • Student, Parents/Guardians, Agencies
  • Meet with Vocational Rehabilitation Services counselor and Apply for services
    • Student, Parents/Guardians, Agencies
  • Review Agency Contact Information

Below is a list of agencies in Winona County that serve students with disabilities ages 14 - 21. We apologize, in advance, for any omitted programs.

Many programs may require county case management to access:

Winona County Community Services - (507) 457-6200 for referrals and intakes

Agency Index

Transportation
See Specialty Transportation list
Medical Supplies / Adaptive Equipment

Dr. Sarah Knudsen

Director of Special Education
District Office

Angie Lepsch

Special Education Coordinator, Early Childhood Special Education
Goodview Early Childhood
School: (507)494-0842

Susan Ogren

Special Education Coordinator
Winona Middle School
School: (507)494-1033

Lori Ulrich

Special Education Coordinator
Winona Area Learning Center, Winona Senior High School
School: (507)494-1518