Special School District
Special Education Services with Special School District
Mehlville School District partners with the Special School District of St. Louis County (SSD) to provide special education services for eligible students ages 5-21. Through this partnership, students receive individualized supports and services based on their Individualized Education Program (IEP), as required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). SSD staff work in our schools alongside Mehlville educators to ensure students receive the services outlined in their IEP while remaining part of their home school community.
Mor than 97% of students who receive SSD services attend school in the district where they live. This allows students to learn in familiar environments surrounded by their peers while benefitting from SSD's specialized staff, programs and expertise.
Partnership with Families
We believe families are essential partners in the educational process. Mehlville School District and SSD work collaboratively to ensure students receive both a strong educational foundation and the individualized supports they need to succeed.
Mehlville School District's Role
Mehlville School District oversees students' overall school experience. This includes school administration, general education instruction, district policies and procedures, transportation (unless otherwise specified in the IEP), extracurricular activities, attendance and districtwide communications.
Parents and guardians with questions about school schedules, handbooks, school-level concerns, or general district information, should contact this school principal.
Special School District's Role
SSD provides special education services as outlined in a student's IEP. SSD staff members – including special education teachers, related-service programs (like social workers, speech language pathologists, applied behavior analysts, occupational therapists and physical therapist), and case managers – work within Mehlville classrooms and schools to delivery specialized instruction, therapies and supports. SSD also provides districtwide family engagement resources, specialized programs and professional expertise in special education.
Parents or guardians with questions about IEP services, student progress, or specialized support should contact their student's SSD case manager or service provider.
Where to start if you have questions
When you have questions, the best place to start is with the individuals who work directly with your student each day.
If you have questions about ...
- Your student's IEP, services or progress, contact your student's teacher, SSD case manager or social worker, or school counselor.
- General education, school policies, schedules or school-level concerns, contact your school's main office or principal.
If you need additional support ...
If your question or concern is not resolved at the school level, you may follow this sequence:
- Special Education Coordinator
- Mehlville Special Education Director
- SSD Executive Director of Partner Districts
- SSD Chief of Partner Districts
- SSD Deputy Superintendent
- SSD Superintendent
SSD maintains contacts for each of our partner districts on their website.
Additional SSD Resources for Families
SSD provides programs, family learning opportunities, and resources that support students and families across St. Louis County. All families are welcome and encouraged to attend.
SSD Family and Community Engagement (FACE)
- Offers workshops and events meant to support families and students
- Supports specialized academic, social and emotional needs to promote self-determination, equitable opportunities and authentic inclusion
- The toolkit is a great starting point for families, both new and experienced, with special education services. Explore virtual open houses and links to SSD's most valuable resources.
- Comprised of families advising and collaborating to improve the education, confidence and social outcomes of each student served by SSD