Special Programs
Washington Virtual Academy (WAVA) offers a variety of special programs to support every learner, including Special Education, Section 504, Multilingual Learners, LAP, and Highly Capable services. Whether your child needs extra support or greater challenges, WAVA’s personalized learning and caring staff help students build confidence, achieve their goals, and thrive both in school and beyond.
Special Education
Special Education is a program-planning option for parents, educators, and students when appropriate. The student’s qualifying disability is determined through an evaluation performed by your school. The evaluation will be used to write an Individualized Education Program (IEP), which includes specially designed instructions to meet the needs of the student.
Special Education is offered at no cost to the parents for students aged 3 to 21. Examples of services include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Psychological services for educational assessment
- Modification of the course material within the regular classroom
- Speech/language therapy
- Career/vocational education for student transition to employment or higher education
- Physical therapy
- Vision and hearing screening
- Orientation and mobility services
Special Education Inquiries
Special Programs Administrator: Lia Carlile
Phone: 253.319.2664
Email: lcarlile@agravois
Special Programs Assistant Administrator: Bonny Theis
Phone: 253.313.9097
Email: [email protected]
Special Education Referral Form
Records Request: [email protected]
Office Hours: 8 AM–4 PM, Monday through Friday
Helpful Links:
- WA State Procedural Safeguards
- FERPA (Family Education Rights and Privacy Act) Defines Educational Records
- FERPA (Family Education Rights and Privacy Act) for Schools
- WA State OSPI Special Education
- Special Education in WA State – Handbook for Parents
- WA State WAC 392-172A Rules for the Provision of Special Education
- IDEA Individuals with Disabilities Education Act – Federal Dept. of Education
- Section 504 Students with Disabilities Act
- Dispute Resolution
Section 504
504 Coordinator: Scott VanGerpen
Phone: 253.242.8047
Email: [email protected]
Office Hours: 8 AM–12 Noon, Monday through Friday
Section 504 and Students with Disabilities
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, commonly called “Section 504,” is a federal law that protects students from discrimination based on disability. This law applies to all programs and activities that receive federal funding—including Washington public schools.
Section 504 Regulations | Chapter 28A.642 RCW | Chapter 392-190 WAC
Equal Opportunities and Benefits
State law also protects students from disability discrimination in public schools. These laws make sure that students with disabilities have educational opportunities and benefits equal to those provided to students without disabilities. To be protected by these laws, a student must have a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities.
Under Section 504, students with disabilities can receive the accommodations, aids, and services they need to participate in and benefit from education. Section 504 requires that public schools provide a “free appropriate public education” (FAPE) to every student with a disability—regardless of the nature or severity of the disability.
What is a “free appropriate public education” under Section 504?
A free appropriate public education is an education that is designed to meet a disabled student’s individual educational needs and is based upon procedures that satisfy Section 504’s identification, evaluation, placement, and due process requirements. An appropriate education can consist of education in regular classes, education in regular classes with related aids or services, Special Education, or a combination of such services. The definition of related aids and services under Section 504 is broad and includes any service that a student needs to participate in and benefit from a district’s education program. Related aids and services include but are not limited to the following: school health services; counseling; environmental, instructional, and behavioral accommodations; and transportation.
What does “appropriate” mean?
“Appropriate” means designed to meet the individual educational needs of a disabled student as adequately as the needs of non-disabled students are met. It does not mean that a district must maximize a disabled student’s potential or provide “the best” education program it can design for that student. It means that a district must provide sufficient individualized services to enable a disabled student to receive educational benefit (i.e., not maximum benefit, not minimal benefit, some benefit).
Can I refer my child for a Section 504 evaluation?
Any person can refer a student for evaluation under Section 504. If you think your child needs an evaluation for a 504 accommodation, please contact your school building office or complete the Referral and Recommendations form. The school counselor will be in touch with you to complete the 504 evaluation process.
What if I feel my child might qualify for special education services instead of 504 accommodations?
Special Education provides for “specially designed instruction” for students with disabilities. Section 504 provides for select accommodations for students with disabilities. Section 504 students do not need “specially designed instruction.” If you feel your child might need Special Education services, you may contact the district Special Education Administrator, Lia Carlile, at [email protected] or 253.319.2664
Section 504 Resources
- Board Policy and Procedure (Section 504)
- Notice of Parent/Guardian and Student Rights
- WAVA 504 Plan Referral Form
Find out more about Section 504 in the Equity & Civil Rights section of the Washington State Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) website.
Multilingual Programs
Multilingual Programs Coordinator: Lia Carlile
253.319.2664
[email protected]
This program exists to help English language learners meet state standards and develop English language proficiency in an environment where the student’s language and cultural background are recognized as valuable learning resources.
Multilingual instruction programs are guided by state and federal laws and provide support for students to develop English proficiency, preserve bilingual skills, and meet academic standards.
Multilingual Education Title III Services
Federal Title III funds support multilingual learners, as well as services for American Indian/Alaska Native students and multilingual/English learners. Title III funds are designed to support the district language instructional education program to assist multilingual learners in attaining English proficiency and high levels of academic achievement.
Services for American Indian & Alaska Native Students
American Indian and Alaska Native students may qualify for supplemental services through the Title III, Part A, if they meet certain criteria based on their academic and linguistic needs.
Special Programs FAQs
What is covered under Special Programs at WAVA?
Special Programs include Special Education, Section 504, English Language Learner, and Highly Capable enrichment programs.
What kind of support is offered through the Special Programs Team?
Special Education services are provided in accordance with the IEP. Section 504 accommodation plans are implemented as outlined in the plan. ELL and Highly Capable students receive supplementary services in their general education classrooms and/or small group, pull out live, online class sessions.
If my student is on a 504 or IEP and we are new to WAVA, what steps do we need to take?
If you indicated that your student was receiving supports and services through a 504 or special education, the 504 Coordinator or the student’s special education case manager will be in touch during the first few days of school.
If you did not indicate that your student was receiving those supports and services, please send those documents to [email protected] and/or let your student’s teacher know.
If there an option for highly capable students?
Highly Capable enrichment services will be either provided in the general education classroom or as a pull out by one of our Highly Capable teachers.
Any additional details that can be highlighted for Special Programs at WAVA?
Highly Capable enrichment services will be provided in the general education classroom or as a pull out by one of our Highly Capable teachers.
Special Programs at WAVA are continually improving to ensure we meet the needs of our diverse learners.
Who do I contact for support in Special Programs?
If you have questions or concerns about your learner’s diverse needs, please contact:
- Special Programs Administrator: Lia Carlile at [email protected]
Supports: 504, LAP Program, Highly Capable Program, and Multilingual Learner Program - Multilingual Learner Coordinator: Megan Harrell at [email protected] | 253.553.2677
- Procedural Safeguards: Parent & Student Rights