Special Education

Special education services, including speech, occupational and physical therapy, are provided by the Special School District of St. Louis County. Students can receive services from age three through 21. Special School District staff can be reached by calling their central office at (314) 989-8100 or by leaving a message at their school.

If you think your child needs to be tested to receive special education services, call your child's school counselor to request an evaluation. Schools are required to try several classroom intervention strategies before a child is referred for testing. Once a packet requesting testing is complete and the child is accepted for testing, it may take up to 90 days before the evaluation takes place. If the school feels your child doesn't need an evaluation, you can request one by writing to the principal or to Michelle Augustin, director of Diagnostic Related Services, Special School District of St. Louis County, 12111 Clayton Road, St. Louis, MO 63131.

The Webster Groves School District has a Parent Advisory Council for parents of children receiving special services. These parents meet regularly with the Special District regional director and area coordinators to discuss services. They also receive regular updates regarding Special District Board of Education issues, upcoming events and other information. If you would like to discuss special education services or the evaluation process with another parent, council members are a good resource. Please call your building principal for the name of the Advisory Council member for your school.

Anne Tolan is the District's representative to the SSD Interdistrict Parent Advisory Committee. She can be reached at (314) 963-0553.  Cathy Dutcher is the district's director of special education. You can reach her at 918-4034

You can also visit the SSD on the web at http://www.ssd.k12.mo.us.