Owatonna Public Schools outlines special-education services for students birth through 22

An agency official representing Owatonna Public Schools said, "At Owatonna Public Schools, we're committed to making education accessible and empowering for every student." The official outlined the district's special-education services for students from birth through age 22 and described how those supports are delivered.

The statement said services for children from birth through age 3 are provided through an Individualized Family Service Plan, typically in the home with parents and caregivers involved, and that "as children enter preschool, the focus shifts to the Individualized Education Program, or IEP." The official said staff and families collaborate to create individualized plans that provide targeted instruction and supports to help students develop academic, social and independent-living skills.

The speaker noted legal obligations for those plans, saying, "These IEPs ensure that every learner receives a free and appropriate public education, as required by law," but did not identify a specific statute or code in the statement. The official provided enrollment and staffing figures: "In Owatonna, approximately 1,000 students from birth to age 22 receive special education services," and the special-education team includes about 80 licensed teachers, 11 speech and language pathologists, 3 occupational therapists, 1 physical therapist, 3 school psychologists, 10 school social workers and 110 paraprofessionals.

The speaker closed by linking special-education services to the district's broader goals: "We're preparing all students for college, careers and life, building a foundation for lifelong success. Because when our students thrive, so does our community." The statement did not include a date, action items, or references to specific policies or funding sources.