Special Services Center
According to the most recent child count, special education services in Tensas Parish are provided to approximately 142 students. These children range in age from birth through age 21 and in ability from developmentally delayed to gifted. Our mission is to provide a free and appropriate public education to each child who qualifies for special education services.
Students with disabilities are served in a variety of settings. Infants are served in their homes, and young children are taught pre-academic, communication, self-help, motor, and socialization skills in a preschool setting. School age children receive individual instruction, learn how to use computers, and study the same types of material as regular education students to prepare for LEAP, ILEAP LAA1, LAA2, and GEE testing. We develop and maintain relationships with various agencies throughout the state to provide quality services for our special education population.
Specialized diagnostic evaluations are available through a multi-disciplinary team for children who are suspected of having a disability. Teachers and parents are provided with strategies to help children learn according to their learning style. When behavior is a concern a behavior intervention strategist and counselors are available to assist with modifications for the student, teacher, and family. When needed, occupational and physical therapy services are provided if this will allow the child to benefit from the educational program. Adapted physical education and speech therapy services are also available if the child qualifies for them. Gifted and talented evaluations and classes are available to those students who meet the state eligibility requirements.
Tensas Parish School Board assures that a free appropriate public education (FAPE) is available to all children with disabilities residing within the jurisdiction of Tensas Parish between the ages of 3 and 21. The following special education and supplemental services are offered: Mentally disabled, Behavior disordered, Multi-disabled, Deaf-Blind, Preschool-Ages 3-5, Emotionally disturbed, Autism, Orthopedically Disabled, Gifted, Other health impaired, Hearing impaired, Severe language disorder, Hospital/Homebound, Educationally disabled, Infant/Toddlers-Ages 0-2, Speech/Language Impaired, Learning Disabled, visually impaired, adapted physical education, and occupational therapy . Our program has services for gifted and talented students who meet state eligibility requirements. Parents or teachers may refer school-age children for evaluation.
Child Search is a program that is designed to find children and youth in need of special education services. Trained professionals are available to help children who may have trouble talking, seeing, hearing, moving and/or thinking. All information is kept confidential. Services are also available for children who may be gifted and/or talented in the visual arts.
Infants and toddlers with disabilities are identified through ChildNet or Early Steps. Public and private resources are coordinated to ensure that all eligible children, birth through age 2-11, and their families receive appropriate services. ChildNet offers the concerned parent or family member a number to call for information and referral services. In addition to case management, early intervention services may include: family training and counseling, special instruction, speech pathology and audiology, occupational therapy, physical therapy, psychological.
For further information, contact Mary E. Johnson, Special Education Supervisor at 318-766-3790, 318-766-3791 or e-mail mjohnson@tensaspsb.org
