Manhattan School District #114
Special Education Department

 Julie Hantson, Director of Special Education

Tara Schoppe, Assistant Director of Special Education

Manhattan School District, in partnership with Lincoln-Way Area Special Education (LWASE) District 843, provides special education services to over 200 students.  A full continuum of services are available to meet the needs of our students, Early Childhood through Grade 8, who are found to be eligible for special education due to a disability that adversely impacts their educational functioning.  

All students receiving special education services must be found eligible for an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) that details the student’s needs as well as the extent, duration, and intensity of services.  These services that are based on educational needs may include, but are not limited to, speech/language therapy, social work, psychological services, assistive technology, occupational and physical therapy, adaptive PE, and transportation.  

Early Childhood Program

The Early Childhood Special Education Program provides services to meet the needs of children between the ages of 3 and 5 who experience educational challenges in the areas of speech-language, motor, social-emotional, adaptive and/or cognitive functioning. Early Childhood is a 1/2 day program at Wilson Creek Elementary School. Learn more about preschool screenings here.

Elementary Programs

A full continuum of special education services are available for students in Kindergarten through Eighth Grade.  Instruction is provided in the least restrictive environment (LRE) that can successfully meet a student's needs. Information regarding programming at each building and through LWASE can be provided by the Principal or the Director of Special Education.  

Individualized Service Plans

If you are the parent/guardian of a homeschooled or private school student, and would like additional information regarding disability identification or Individualized Service Plans, please contact the Director of Special Education at 815-531-3349.  

Special Education Documents

ISBE Parental Safeguards

Lincoln-Way Area Special Education District 843 

Accessibility and Endorsement Disclaimer Statements

Physical restraint, time out, isolated time out reduction plan