Birth to 3
The Birth to 3 Program is for children ages birth to three years old. Eligibility is based on a diagnosed disability or significant developmental delay in how a child plays, learns, speaks, and acts. The program values the family’s primary relationship with their child and works in partnership with the family. The Colby School District works closely with both the Clark and Marathon County B-3 programs if a referral is made prior to a child's third birthday. If you suspect your child may have a delay and is younger than 2 years, 6 mos a referral may be made to your county's B-3 Program Coordinator.
Link to Clark County Birth to 3 Program
Link to Marathon County Birth to 3 Program
Cooperative Educational Service Agency (CESA 10)
CESA 10 makes it possible for schools, regardless of size to work together to share staff and equipment, save money, and extend educational opportunities to all children. CESA 10 provides these services without mandates, without levying taxes, and with no state aid. CESA 10 services are accessed by all levels of professional educators, and are adjusted annually to meet the evolving needs of the districts.
The CESA 10 Special Education and Pupil Services Department assists school districts in providing appropriate educational services to students with IEPs, in accordance with the Federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). The Department is dedicated to support participating districts in the development, implementation and evaluation of quality programs and services for students with disabilities. Guidance is provided to all districts for meeting the requirements of state and federal special education laws and regulations and coordinating the budgeting and management of special education funds and grants. The Department also provides and supervises licensed staff, itinerant services and district leadership.
Link to CESA 10
Department of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR)
The Division of Vocational Rehabilitation (DVR) is a federal/state program designed to obtain, maintain, and advance employment for people with disabilities by working with DVR consumers, employers, and other partners. DVR can offer a number services to students who are (or are close to) entering the workforce. These services may include but are not limited to the following: (1) providing employment services and counesling to people with disabilities; (2) provide or arrange services to enable an individual to go to work; (3) provide training or technical assistance to employers regarding disability employment issues. For questions about DVR services or to arrange for a conversation with a DVR counsleor please contact your child's case manager.
Link to DVR Homepage
Link to DVR Referral
Rural Virtual Academy (RVA)
The RVA virtual classrooms are just like typical classrooms in a brick and mortar school but with small differences that can help students focus and thrive. The RVA students see their teachers just like they would in a typical classroom, except in the virtual classroom their teachers are demonstrating concepts on screen. Students still see the process of problem solving unfold and can engage with other students and teachers simply through typing instead of speaking.
As a member of the RVA consortium, the resident/consortium district is responsible for special education evaluations, eligibility determinations, placement decisions, and IEP development and revision. The staff at the RVA will work collaboratively with the district to provide information about the student’s progress with the RVA. RVA staff can be of assistance in making decisions for eligibility determination, placement, and IEP goals. Furthermore, RVA staff can attend IEP and evaluation meetings, either by phone conference, virtually, or possibly in person.
Each student in the RVA is assigned a Wisconsin DPI licensed teacher. Likewise, those RVA students with special needs benefit from having the expertise of certified special education instructors working with them, their parents, and in conjunction with the local IEP team. The RVA teacher is responsible for monitoring the student’s progress with the RVA curriculum and expectations.
If a child is already identified as a student with a disability, they are paired with an RVA special education teacher who will work on the goals established in the student’s IEP. If the student undergoes an initial evaluation for special education conducted by resident/consortium district, the student’s RVA general education teacher would likely be a part of the IEP team but upon qualifying for special education, the student would be transferred to an RVA special education teacher that could assist the student in working toward their IEP goals. Our staff will assist the resident/consortium district in setting goals that are fitting for the student’s educational experience with the RVA.
Link to RVA Special Education Homepage
SOAR (18-21 Year-Old Program)
Students with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) who have met graduation requirements, but still have IEP goals and objectives to work on are eligible for placement. We offer schooling Monday through Thursday and students attend Daily Living Classes in the morning, make their own meal for lunch, and then go to paid or volunteer work experiences in the afternoon. Students learn pre-vocational skills, and daily living/independent skills.
Link to SOAR Program
