Student Services
The Laguna Department of Education Student Services encompasses a variety of programs and services. Student Services supports social, academic, and behavioral skills for a healthy future and are coordinated with other district efforts.
For more information, follow the links to the different program services or contact:
Melissa Dyea, Director of Student Services & Accountability
m.dyea@lagunaed.net
505-552-9200
For information about the Laguna Elementary and Middle Schools' Title VI application, please call Ms. Dyea at 552-9200.
What is Special Education?
Special Education is specially designed instruction that addresses the unique needs of a student eligible to receive special education services. Special education is provided at no cost to the parents and includes the related services a student needs to access his/her education program.
What is Gifted Education?
Gifted Education, also known as GATE, is a broad group of special practices, procedures, and theories used in the education of student who have been identified as gifted or talented.
Related Services
Some children with disabilities need related services to help them meet the goals in their individualized education plan.
Related services mean any other developmental, corrective, or other supportive services that a child needs to benefit from special education. Related Services include but are not limited to:
- Speech Language Services
- Audiology
- Psychological Services
- Parent Counseling and training
- Physical Therapy
- Occupational Therapy
- Social Work Services
- Counseling Service
- Visual Impairment services
Family Strategies
Suggestions for Parents: Speech Language Development
https://www.asha.org/public/speech/development/suggestions/
Tips for Supporting Reading at home
https://ies.ed.gov/ncee/wwc/Docs/practiceguide/wwc_fr_tips_022118.pdf
Parent strategies for improving their childs math
https://www.nwea.org/blog/2018/parent-strategies-for-improving-their-childs-math/
Social Emotional Strategie for Parents
https://www.edutopia.org/social-emotional-learning-parent-resources
Parental Supports
Parents receive copies of the procedural safeguards at their initial and annual meetings. If you have any questions, after reviewing, you may contact any of the special education staff at your school.https://webnew.ped.state.nm.us/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/Parent-and-Child-Rights-Procedural-Safeguard-Notice-March-2014.pdf
Parental Support Organizations
EPICS (epicsnm.org) A community resource center serving NM families who have children with disabilities or developmental delay
Parents Reaching Out (PRO) (www.parentsreachingout.org) provides support, training and tools for families and youth with disabilities or complex medical needs.
NM Association for the Gifted (www.nmgifted.org) advocates that people with giftedness, talent or high potential are provided an appropriate education experience matching their abilities and need and those who support these individuals are trained to appreciate, understand and nurture them.
UNM Center for Disability Autism Program
Since the fall of 2021 Student Services has partnered with the Autism program. A consultant visits our schools to observes students and consult with teachers and assistants. The UNM consultant is available to parents. The Autism Program provides virtual trainings.
https://unmhealth.org/services/development-disabilities/programs/autism-programs/
Dyslexia Training Institute
The mission of the DTI is to provide education about dyslexia and interventions for dyslexia, Seven staff members from LES and LMS received certificates of completion of four months of training in Dyslexia educational methods. In addition, ten staff members attended the International Dyslexia Association conference to further their knowledge in this area.
Parental Support For Training
Student Service can provide limited assistance to parents wishing learn more about their child’s area of eligibility.