Special Education Overview

It is mandatory in the State of Michigan to provide an educational opportunity for children with handicaps or impairments from birth through age twenty-six.  Early diagnosis and intervention can be a key component for a child's future success.  Any child found to have an impairment that interferes with educational performance and meets the eligibility criteria, according to the rules of Michigan, is eligible for special education services.

What are the essential ingredients necessary for a satisfying, meaningful life?  Self-esteem, reasonable expectations and meaningful activity would definitely rank high on the list of rights of every individual.  Keeping these rights for students in mind, the Mecosta-Osceola Intermediate School District (MOISD) Special Education staff and parents have developed an exemplary program that can begin at birth and continue until age twenty-six.  Our programs provide children and young adults with special needs the opportunity to achieve their goals.

For the vast majority of students with special needs, excellent services are provided in the regular education environment with added support.  Local districts provide special education classrooms and MOISD supplies staff who can offer extra help.

There are over 230 students in the MOISD, whose parents, teachers and administrators have decided that they need a more restrictive placement offering more intensive help.  These students attend programs at one of our many satellite classrooms located in buildings throughout our constituent districts or our Education Center facility located in Big Rapids, Michigan.

To view a copy of our Mecosta-Osceola ISD Special Education Plan click here.

The MOISD Special Education Department currently serves the following districts:  Big Rapids Public Schools, Chippewa Hills School District, Evart Public Schools, Morley Stanwood Community Schools, Reed City Area Public Schools and Crossroads Charter Academy.  To link to any of these sites, simply click on the underlined site.