Special Education

Education Equity and Customized Support for All Students

Collaborating. Including. Achieving.

At Fort Smith School District, we celebrate the community of diverse learners in our classrooms. Our commitment to inclusivity and excellence is evident in our comprehensive Special Education services, tailored to meet the unique needs of every student.

Through years of collaboration with local support groups, state service organizations, and the Arkansas Department of Education - Special Education Unit, we've honed our approach to ensure every child receives the support they deserve.

Special needs class boy smiling at camera

Your Partner in Special Education

Navigating the world of special education can be daunting, but you're not alone. Our dedicated team is here to guide, support, and collaborate with you, ensuring your student receives the best possible care and education tailored to their needs.

Services

PT/OT

Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), occupational and physical therapy are considered related services. This means they are support services that help children with disabilities benefit from special education. These therapies are customized to improve students' physical abilities and daily life skills.

Speech Therapy

Speech therapy services are provided for students with disabilities that affect their speech and language skills, such as articulation, fluency, voice, and language (including receptive, expressive, and pragmatic skills). Speech therapists offer these services in different ways, depending on the student's needs. These personalized interventions help improve communication and language development.

Vision Services

Students who are determined eligible receive specially designed instruction, accommodations, and technology support. This can include tools like braille, magnification, and mobility support to help them navigate their environments. These dedicated supports are provided to optimize the learning experience for students with visual needs.

Evaluation and Identification

Every student receiving FSPS Special Education services has undergone a thorough evaluation, confirming their unique needs. If a student requires intensive interventions, they may be referred to our special education services.

This referral is reviewed by a committee, including the parent(s), to determine the next steps. This process culminates in the creation of an Individualized Education Plan, a roadmap to the student's success.

For students transferring to our district, we take a personalized approach. We review their previous educational settings and diagnoses to ensure seamless transition and the continuation of appropriate programming

Need to Send or Request Records?

We’re happy to assist with all your records needs. Contact us, and our team will ensure a smooth process for sending or requesting documents.

Email Us!

Special Education Resources

Building Designees

If you have questions about whether your child needs special services of any kind, your primary point of contact should be your school's building designee.

Elementary

Ballman Elementary: Kristi Morris

Barling Elementary: Amanda Ming

Beard Elementary: Jennifer Scott

Bonneville Elementary: Donna Jones

Carnall Elementary: Jennie Mathews

Cavanaugh Elementary: Jennifer Scott

Cook Elementary: Cedra Flake

Euper Lane Elementary: Hilary Key

Fairview Elementary: Jennifer Lyon

Howard Elementary: Melissa Bridges

Morrison Elementary: Kacee Kareus

Orr Elementary: Dr. Dawn Childress

Park Elementary: Melissa Bridges

Spradling Elementary: Amanda Ming

Sunnymede Elementary: Emily Young

Sutton Elementary: Dexter Pendergraft

Tilles Elementary: Jimmy Cook

Woods Elementary: Karen Riley

Middle Schools

Chaffin Middle School: Katie Mankins

Darby Middle School:

Kimmons Middle School: Tammy Chase

Ramsey Middle School: Dianna Storey

High Schools

Northside High School: Nikki Kilgore

Southside High School: Michelle Burnett

Other

Belle Point Center: Dr. Emilee Moss

Fort Smith Virtual: Dr. Samantha Hall

Child Find

Identify. Locate. Evaluate.

Child Find is part of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This program aims to identify and support children with disabilities from birth to age 21 who need early intervention or special education services. It involves working with parents, the community, professionals, and local organizations to ensure every child who needs help is found and provided with the necessary services.

More info

Arkansas Transition Services

Arkansas Transition Services, working with the Arkansas Department of Education, helps special education teachers and school staff with training and support for students transitioning from school to adult life. They focus on making sure transition plans in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) are effective, building strong local transition teams, and sharing the latest research and best practices. Their mission is to help students with disabilities, their families, educators, and community members achieve positive outcomes after school.

More info

Inclusive Practices

Fort Smith Public Schools are dedicated to making sure every student in Arkansas has equal access to quality education, helping them achieve college, career, and life goals. We are committed to promoting inclusive learning, full access, and better outcomes for all students.

The Meaningful Access Toolkit is designed to give parents and educators the information and resources they need to support local efforts towards inclusive education and improve outcomes for students with disabilities.

Family's Guide to Special Education in Arkansas

This guide is for parents of children with disabilities who are still in Arkansas public schools. It explains the special education process, emphasizes the importance of your involvement in your child’s education, and guides you through developing your child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP).

Each section of the guide starts with important terms defined for clarity and convenience. Terms are listed in the order they first appear in each section, and key terms are reiterated at the beginning of multiple sections. An alphabetical glossary of terms is provided at the end of the guide for easy reference.

Disability Rights Arkansas

Disability Rights Arkansas is an organization dedicated to protecting and advocating for the rights of individuals with disabilities in Arkansas. They provide legal assistance, advocacy, and education to ensure equal opportunities and access to services such as healthcare, education, employment, and community living. Their mission is to promote independence, inclusion, and dignity for all Arkansans with disabilities through systemic change and individual advocacy.

Parent and Family Resources

Your Rights Under IDEA

Contact Our Team

Ms. Domonique Alexander

Director of Special Education

Domonique Alexander joined the school district in 2022, bringing over 19 years of experience, a passion for inclusive education, and a commitment to fostering an environment where every student thrives. As the Director of Special Education, Ms. Alexander works to ensure that every student receives the support they need to succeed.

Ms. Alexander’s journey reflects a deep commitment to the betterment of the education system and the lives of the students she serves. During her time as a classroom teacher, her hands-on approach laid the foundation of her understanding of the unique needs of students with diverse learning abilities. Driven by a calling to serve others and improve processes, she transitioned into administrative positions, where she has worked for the past 13 years.