IDEA GRANT Funding

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Pensar Academy’s Special Education Program

Pensar Academy was founded by two Special Education Resource Teachers who brought their expertise in best instructional practices, Universal Design for Learning (UDL), and life-skills development to create an academic program designed to meet the needs of all learners and support meaningful growth.

Pensar Academy partners closely with parents and guardians to develop educational plans that are individualized, data-informed, and responsive to students’ identified needs. If a parent or guardian suspects that a student may have a physical, mental, or emotional disability, they are encouraged to contact the Principal to discuss concerns.

Pensar Academy follows a systematic review and support process, which may include:

• Reviewing student performance and needs
• Implementing targeted interventions
• Conducting pre-referral activities
• Engaging in evaluation and case management procedures, as required by law

Special education services at Pensar Academy may include:

• Self-contained services
• Cross-categorical services
• Supportive services provided within the general education classroom

All services are delivered in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and applicable Arizona state regulations.

 Nondiscrimination Notice

Students, parents/guardians, and employees of Pensar Academy are hereby notified that Pensar Academy does not discriminate and complies with all applicable federal and state nondiscrimination laws, including but not limited to Title VI, Title VII, Title IX, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

Pensar Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability in admission or access to, treatment of, or employment in its programs and activities.

 

Additional Information: Exceptional Student Services & Parent Rights

Arizona Department of Education – Exceptional Student Services

For additional information regarding Exceptional Student Services and state compliance requirements, please visit the Arizona Department of Education (ADE) Exceptional Student Services webpage:
https://www.azed.gov/specialeducation/

Procedural Safeguards Notice

The school is required to provide parents and guardians with a written explanation of their rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Arizona state law at least once each year, and at specific times as required by law. Parents may also request a verbal explanation of these rights at any time.

Procedural Safeguards Notices are available in multiple languages and accessible formats.  Attached below are the English and Spanish Versions.  If you would like a different language, please let the front office know by phone at 602-383-4013 or info@pensaracademy.org.

Summary of Key IDEA Procedural Safeguards

This summary is provided to assist parents in understanding their procedural safeguards by highlighting key rights under IDEA and Arizona law. This summary does not include all parent rights. For a complete explanation, please review the full Procedural Safeguards Notice.

Right to Be Informed

Parents have the right to receive notice of any proposed or refused actions related to their child’s identification, evaluation, educational placement, or provision of special education and related services. This notice is provided through a Prior Written Notice (PWN) explaining the action and the reason for the decision.

• PWNs must be written in language understandable to the general public.
• PWNs must be provided in the parent’s native language or other accessible format, including Braille, when required.

Participation in Meetings

Parents have the right to participate in all meetings related to their child’s education, including Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings. Parents may request an IEP meeting by contacting their child’s case manager.

• If a parent requests an additional IEP meeting outside of the annual review, the school must schedule the meeting within 45 school days of receiving the written request.

Informed Consent

Written parental consent is required before the school conducts an initial evaluation or provides special education services for the first time.

• Questions regarding evaluations may be directed to the school’s School Psychologist.

Access to Educational Records

Parents have the right to inspect and review their child’s educational records, request explanations, and request corrections if information is believed to be inaccurate or misleading.

• To review records, contact the school’s administrative office.
• To request copies of special education records, contact the front office.

Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE)

If a parent disagrees with the school’s evaluation, they may request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) at public expense, as permitted by law.

• The school must consider the results of an IEE but is not required to accept its conclusions.
• Requests may be directed to the Student Services Coordinator or Director of Student Services.

Dispute Resolution Options

If concerns cannot be resolved at the school level, parents may access dispute resolution options through the Arizona Department of Education, including:

• Facilitated IEP meetings
• Mediation
• State complaints
• Due process hearings

Parents may also file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education, Office for Civil Rights, if they believe discrimination has occurred.

Additional Support Resources in Arizona

Raising Special Kids (Parent Information Network)
Phone: 602-242-4366 | Toll Free: 800-237-3007
Email: info@raisingspecialkids.org
Website: www.raisingspecialkids.org

Arizona Center for Disability Law (Protection & Advocacy Agency)
Phone/TDD: 602-274-6287 | Toll Free: 800-927-2260
Email: center@azdisabilitylaw.org
Website: www.azdisabilitylaw.org