Caseloads for Special Education

Policy 3-402d

All policies

 

Caseloads for Special Education

Providers

Policy 3-402d

 

Scope:

The District shall maintain special education staff caseloads that comply with state and federal law, support student success, and ensure the provision of a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE).

  1. 1. Special Education Providers 

Special Education Providers include but are not limited to:

 

  1. 2. Caseloads 

 

Caseloads (students assigned) to Special Education Providers shall be assigned according to the law and in a manner that allows staff to effectively manage service delivery, meet IEP timelines, and maintain educational quality.

 

Administrative Regulations

  1. 1. Resource Specialist Program (RSP) Caseloads  

    • Caseloads shall also be consistent with applicable collective bargaining agreements and any provisions established by the District’s approved SELPA local plan.  

    • The maximum caseload for a full-time Resource Specialist shall not exceed 28 students or as otherwise stated in the law.  

    • The District may request approval from the SELPA for a temporary increase to 32 students per FTE RSP.  

    • RSP teachers may be supported by instructional aides, but shall remain directly responsible for instruction and IEP implementation. 

  2. 2. Speech-Language Pathologists (SLPs) or Hearing Specialists  

    • SLP caseloads shall be consistent with the law. 

      • SLPs serving only children ages 3 to 5, caseloads shall not exceed 40 students. 

      • SLPs serving all other children shall not have a caseload that exceeds 55 students. 

    • Caseloads may be adjusted based on:  

      • Severity of student needs;  

      • Number of school sites served; and  

      • Service delivery models (e.g., individual, group, or consultative)  

  3. 3. Early Childhood Special Education (Preschool)  

    • For Preschool teachers serving children ages 3 to 5:  

      • With no instructional aide, caseload shall not exceed 12 students.  

      • With one instructional aide, caseload shall not exceed 16 students. 

      • With two instructional aides, caseload shall not exceed 20 students.  

  4. 4. Caseload Monitoring and Adjustments  

    • Caseloads shall be reviewed at least annually by the Superintendent or designee.  

    • Staff or program leads may request caseload reviews or adjustments based on workload, student needs, or service gaps.  

    • SELPA collaboration is required for all caseload exceptions.  

  5. 5. Data Collection and Compliance  

    • The District shall maintain accurate caseload data, including student assignments and service logs.  

    • Data shall be used to monitor workload equity and IEP compliance.  

    • Non-compliance with caseload caps must be reported and addressed through corrective action plans.  

  6. 6. Caseload Waivers for Resource Specialists 

    • The District may request a waiver from the State Board of Education (SBE) to increase a Resource Specialist’s caseload beyond 28, not to exceed 32 students, in accordance with the law.  

    • A waiver will only be requested if:  

      • The affected RSP and their bargaining unit agree;  

      • The waiver is based on extraordinary fiscal or programmatic needs; and  

      • All IEP services will still be provided as written. 

    • Waivers are valid for up to two school years 

    • If the RSP’s caseload exceeds 28 under a waiver, the District will assign an instructional aide to that specialist for at least five hours per day.