Overview
The mission of Professional Support Services (PSS) is to help everyone involved in the education process create a safe and positive learning environment for all students.
Our goal is to develop collaborative partnerships with school agencies, social service providers, parents and community organizations by providing technical assistance, information and training. The PSS team strives to maintain and disseminate current information on a variety of best practices.
Supporting school district staff to enable provision of appropriate programs and services for students and families.
For more information of to schedule staff development contact:
Kathy Goodwin at kgoodwin@csiu.org 570-523-1155 Ext. 2205
Early Intervention
Instructional program for children with disabilities, ages three to five. Instruction, which is developmentally appropriate, includes the family and their needs. Services are provided in facilities operated by day care centers, nursery schools, preschool centers, special education classes or in the children’s homes.
For more information, contact Karen Troutman at ktroutman@csiu.org or call 570-523-1155 ext 2229
Work Foundations + and vocational support programs
Full-time and part-time vocational training or work placement for secondary-level students.
For more information, contact Betsy Merkle at bmerkle@csiu.org or call 570-286-4168 Ext 2820
Extended School Year Program
Special education and related services provided to students beyond the normal school year, at no cost to parents. Eligibility is determined by the IEP team. Instruction is individualized, based on students’ needs, but is focused on maintaining or attaining progress toward IEP goals. The program is conducted during June, July and August or at other intervals during the school year.
For more information, contact Betsy Merkle at bmerkle@csiu.org or call 570-797-4671
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a law ensuring services to children with disabilities throughout the nation. IDEA governs how states and public agencies provide early intervention, special education and related services to more than 6.5 million eligible infants, toddlers, children and youth with disabilities.
Infants and toddlers with disabilities (birth-2) and their families receive early intervention services under IDEA Part C. Children and youth (ages 3-21) receive special education and related services under IDEA Part B.
For more information, contact Frank Williams at fwilliams@csiu.org or call 570-523-1155 ext 2202
Additional information can be found at http://idea.ed.gov or http://www.pde.state.pa.us/special_edu/cwp/view.asp?a=177&q=111436
ACCESS
Program to recoup costs, through medical assistance, for medically related services provided to qualified students.
For more information, contact Marian Davis at mdavis@csiu.org or call 570-523-1155 ext 2281 or contact Pat Finck at pfinck@csiu.org or 570-523-1155 ext 2283
Penn Data
Collection of data on CSIU-region special education students, to meet state and federal requirements.
For more information, go to http://penndata.hbg.psu.edu/ or contact Marian Davis at mdavis@csiu.org or call 570-523-1155 ext 2281
Student Transportation Services
The CSIU provides transportation of CSIU Head Start, migrant education and special education students.
- School Bus Driver Training
Training to certify or recertify school bus drivers who are self-employed or employed by school districts, bus contractors or nonpublic schools.
- School Bus Driver Drug and Alcohol Testing
Program to test school bus drivers for drug and alcohol use.
For more information, contact Phil Miccio at pmiccio@csiu.org at 570-523-1155 ext 2370
Office For Dispute Resolution
Provides support of statewide services by providing technical assistance in scheduling both mediation and due process hearings, as well as appeals resulting from due process hearing decisions. Includes coordination of interagency activities in Southeastern Pennsylvania and technical needs for the Bureau of Special Education.
For more information, go to http://odr.pattan.net/