Special Education
Our goals for the Special Education program at West Des Moines Community Schools follow state and federal laws like the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). These laws make sure that all students with disabilities get a free, suitable education tailored to their special needs. They also protect the rights of children and their parents or guardians. Additionally, the laws help states and local districts assess students' strengths and weaknesses to make sure the education provided is effective.
Enrolling Your Student
If you move to WDMCS and your child has an Individualized Education Program (IEP), you'll find similar programs and services in all our schools. Most students with disabilities go to their neighborhood school. If a student needs more support, they might go to a specific school for services. Once you find a home in the district, make sure to finish the student enrollment requirements.
Special Olympics of Iowa Partnership
WDMCS is excited to partner with Special Olympics Iowa as Unified Champion Schools®. This partnership provides our students receiving special education services with additional opportunities and promotes school environments where everyone feels welcome, valued, and included at school and in the community.
All 13 WDMCS schools are recognized as Unified Champion Schools®, which “bring together students with and without disabilities through education, sports, and youth leadership to provide them with the knowledge, attitudes, and skills necessary to create and sustain school communities that promote acceptance and respect.”
As Unified Champion Schools®, we celebrate Inclusion Week districtwide each year. Our students receiving special education services also have the opportunity to represent Team Tigers in events through Special Olympics Iowa! If you are interested, sign up your athlete online.
2024-25 Events
- Fall Classic at WDM Mid American Rec Plex
- Bowling
- West Central Basketball Skills
- West Central Track and Field
Resources
Kristi Bentz
Director of Special Education
515-633-5072
Cindy Hinkle
Teaching & Learning Assistant
515-633-5067
Joy Zuber
District Registrar
515-633-5101
Service Delivery Plan
The Service Delivery Plan gets updated every five years.
Download Service Delivery Plan