Student Services
Welcome to the Winthrop Harbor Student Services Department. This department works collaboratively with other administrators, staff, and parents to fulfill the mission of Winthrop Harbor School District 1 – to provide “the foundation for confident, productive, life-long learners.”
The student services department, along with building administrators and staff, is responsible for identifying students, ages 3 through 14, who are at risk for learning difficulties and students who have a disability that negatively impacts their learning or school functioning. Through problem-solving teams, staff evaluates, coordinates and designs academic and social, emotional and behavioral services and interventions for students with identified educational needs through a multi-tiered system of support, also called Response to Intervention (RtI) and through special education for those who qualify under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). These services and interventions may be provided within a general education classroom, a small group setting, individually, or through consultation from a student services professional.
The student services department of professionals advocates for all children, supporting their learning and school functional needs in the educational environment where they can be most successful. Educational programs are developed to offer instruction, supports, modifications, and accommodations to meet the individual needs of students. Educational plans are built upon data-driven decision-making, the general education curriculum and input from teachers, specialists, and parents. The department utilizes a variety of methods and materials to address the needs of the whole child, including technology devices, apps and programs, evidence-based learning programs, sensory breaks and fidgets, and social-emotional learning to name a few.
The links on this website may be helpful in obtaining additional information regarding student services and other resources.
PUNS – Prioritization for Urgency of Need for Services
PUNS is a database of Illinois Children, adolescents, and adults with developmental disabilities who want or need developmental disability services. The PUNS database helps the Division of Developmental Disabilities identify and plan for your services. Registering in PUNS is the first and most important step you and your family can take to receive Home and Community Based Waiver services from the Illinois Department of Human Services/Division of Developmental Disabilities.
Individuals who want to be on PUNS should contact the Independent Service Coordination (ISC) agency in their area. You can locate your ISC agency by:
- Calling Division of Developmental Disabilities Hotline at 1-888-DD-PLANS and 1-866-376-8446 (TTY) during business hours. When prompted by the recording, type in your ZIP Code and you will be connected with your local ISC agency.
Parents who need help understanding the PUNS database, the steps needed to register students, how to contact the appropriate developmental disabilities Independent Service Coordination Agency (ISC), and the documentation and information parents/guardians will need for the registration process, may contact Dr. Heather Trom at [email protected] for assistance.
Educational Rights and Responsibilities:
English Links:
Other Language Links:
Required Notice and Consent Forms
IL Resources for Families