Student Services
Sycamore Community School District 427 believes in excellence in education and in the dignity and uniqueness of each individual. The office of student services strives to address and accommodate the needs of each student as they engage in the learning process.
The office of student services provides district-wide support for students with disabilities by partnering with building teams, families, and the community to ensure all students have access to the core curriculum, equal opportunities for advanced learning, and a rigorous pathway of instruction that is responsive to their individual educational needs. The office provides a full continuum of educational services and supports for students with disabilities who qualify under the provisions of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (Section 504) or the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA).
"Disability is a natural part of the human experience and in no way diminishes the right of individuals to participate in or contribute to society. Improving educational results for children with disabilities is an essential element of our national policy of ensuring equality of opportunity, full participation, independent living, and economic self-sufficiency for individuals with disabilities."
- The Preamble to the IDEA, 2004
Special Education
Sycamore Community School District 427 provides a free, appropriate public education to students with disabilities who are eligible and between the ages of three and 21 years. The office of student services arranges for an array of services and supports designed to meet a student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP) in the least restrictive environment.
Homebound or Hospital Tutoring
The Illinois School Code provides for a continuation of learning when a student has had their classroom activities disrupted by physical or medical problems.
The purpose of Home and Hospital Services is to facilitate learning while students are unable to attend school for a physical or mental health condition. Home and Hospital Services may be provided to any student when it is anticipated that, due to a medical condition (in the opinion of a licensed physician), the student will be unable to attend school for a period of 10 or more days or on an ongoing intermittent basis.
An “ongoing intermittent basis” is defined as such a nature or severity that it is anticipated that the student will be absent from school due to the medical condition for periods of at least two days at a time, multiple times during the school year, totaling at least 10 days of absences.
Home and Hospital services require a:
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Physician’s note
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Specific diagnosis
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Recommendation of services
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Length of time out of school
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Family consent
During a student’s absence from school, a certified teacher (service provider) will serve as a liaison between the school and home or hospital. The classroom teacher continues to be responsible for class content and will assist in providing the necessary information and materials.
For further information regarding home and hospital services, please contact the Director of Student Services.
Career and Technical Education Opportunities
In accordance with the Children with Disabilities Article of Illinois School Code (105 ILCS 5/14-8.03), Sycamore School District provides resources concerning Career & Technical Education (CTE) Pathways, Dual Credit offerings, and post-secondary CTE pathways.
Sycamore High School offers several CTE courses and pathways both on our campus and through partnership with other area high schools via the Kishwaukee Education Consortium (KEC).
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act (Section 504)
Section 504 is a federal law designed to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities in programs and activities that receive federal funding from the U.S. Department of Education. Sycamore Community School District 427 provides a free and appropriate education for students who are eligible for a 504 plan by individually designing accommodations, modifications, or services to meet their educational needs in the same manner as their non-disabled peers.
It is important to note that students with a Section 504 plan are considered general education students.
In order to be eligible for services within a Section 504 plan, a student must have a mental or physical impairment that substantially limits one or more major life functions.
Child Find and Identifying Students for 504 plans
Students who are currently enrolled in kindergarten through twelfth grade at a Sycamore Community School District 427 school may be referred for a Section 504 evaluation. This referral may be initiated if a student has a mental or physical impairment that adversely impacts the student in the classroom. If a family suspects that their student has an impairment, a letter should be submitted to the building principal that outlines their concern and request for an evaluation. The outcomes of the Section 504 evaluation will determine whether the student is eligible under Section 504 and requires a 504 plan.
504 Plans
A team of individuals, including families, that have knowledge of the student work together to develop a written plan that identifies the accommodations, modifications, and services a student needs to access the general education.
McKinney-Vento Act (Homeless Liasion)
Pursuant to the McKinney-Vento Act, all school districts must have in place a liaison for homeless students and youth. At Sycamore Community School District 427, we ensure that:
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Homeless students and youth are sensitively identified by school personnel, whether currently enrolled or not yet attending and, if appropriate, aid such students or youth in accessing the appropriate school.
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Homeless students and youth have a full opportunity to succeed and have full access to educational services and other services as appropriate.
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Families of homeless students and youth are informed about the District’s educational services and opportunities and are given meaningful chances to participate in their student’s education.
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Public notice of the educational rights of homeless students and youth is disseminated at locations where homeless families and students are served.
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Families have the right to access dispute procedures under the law.
For information on McKinney-Vento Act and Homeless Education, please contact our Homeless Liaison, Neilly Berger at (815) 899-8177 and view the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) Homeless Resources at the link below.
Our Staff
Neilly Berger
Administrative Assistant to Director of Student Services
District Administration Center
