Special Education

Public Notice of Nondiscrimination

Individual Education Plan (IEP)

A student's Individual Education Plan (IEP) is developed by the IEP team which includes the guardian(s) of the student, and when appropriate the student. The IEP team determines what special education supports and services are educationally appropriate for the student to make progress based on their individualized needs. Non-public (private and homeschool) students within the district's boundaries are part of Child Find and the guardian can request a special education evaluation to determine if the child is eligible for and in need of special education and related services.

White Bear Lake Area Schools Total Special Education System

Procedural Safeguards

Extended School Year

Parent Advisory Council

Resources from past PAC Meetings
Minnesota Inclusive Higher Education Consortium

Resources from past PAC Meetings

September 23, 2025: Agenda
December 16, 2024: Agenda
- Regulation & Co-Regulation Presentation Slides
March 5, 2024: Agenda
- Zones of Regulation & Sensory Spaces Slides
May 18, 2023: Agenda
October 3, 2022: Agenda
- Resources / Activities
- WBLAS Adaptive & Unified Sports
- WBL Cheerleading youth cheer clinic: Bear Cub Basketball Clinic
- Bear Bike Scholarship
  - Apply HERE
- Meeting Notes

Minnesota Inclusive Higher Education Consortium

MN Inclusive Higher Education -MIHEC is committed to expanding postsecondary education opportunities for interested youth, young adults, and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities from all ethnic, cultural, linguistic, and socioeconomic backgrounds. MIHEC is a parent-led collaborative group of stakeholders including inclusive higher education institutions, local education agencies, key state agencies, students, advocates, families, legislators, and nonprofits.

Upcoming Learning Community Events

Parent Perspectives of Inclusive Higher Education

Date: Tuesday, February 10
Time: 6:00–7:15 p.m. (Central Time)
Registration: [Register here for the February 10 meeting]

Charting the LifeCourse: Person Centered Planning

Date: Tuesday, March 10
Time: 6:00–7:15 p.m. (Central Time)
Registration: [Register here for the March 10 meeting]

Student and Faculty Experience

Date: Wednesday, April 1
Time: 6:00–7:15 p.m. (Central Time)
Registration: [Register here for the April 1 meeting]

Event Details
Everyone is welcome, and these learning community events are free. Sessions will be held on Zoom, include live captioning, and will be recorded for later viewing. If you require additional accommodations, please indicate this in your registration.

Questions: Contact us at mihec@umn.edu

District Support Resources for Students

Little Bear Parent Club- October 7th
Special Olympics
- WBLAS Unified Special Olympics Team Volunteers Needed
- FALL Season 2025!
  - St. Croix Lumberjacks - Special Olympics Team
    - Flag Football - start TBD
    - Soccer - start TBD
    - Bowling - starts September 7th
  - Register as a Special Olympics Minnesota athlete.
- YMCA Young Athletes - Young Athletes (YA) is a partnership with Special Olympics of Minnesota, offering activities for children with and without intellectual disabilities, ages two to seven.
MSHSL Athletic Teams: Activities Offered
- Adapted Soccer
  - Register HERE
- WBLAS Adapted & Unified Sports
- Learn more about White Bear Lake Adapted Athletics!
Community Resources & Opportunities
The Community Services and Recreation Catalog
WBL Cheerleading
- Register HERE for upcoming Cheerleading Clinics
  - Fall Performance Team registration deadline is September 24th
  - Basketball Youth Cheer Clinic registration deadline is November 17th

Sports & Activities Financial Support

Sports & Activities Financial Support

Bear Bike Scholarship

Eligible for up to $200 of assistance per school year for registration fees, equipment or sports gear.

To increase access for children to participate in youth sports and activities through the Community Services and Recreation Department.

Educational Benefits

High School Sports

Contact the Director of Student Activities to request support for youth equipment to play sports.

BRIAN PELOQUIN

DIRECTOR OF STUDENT ACTIVITIES

WBLA High School

If there are other activities in the District you feel interested in that require accommodations please reach out to the Student Support Services Department. 651-407-7558

Student posed for a picture with Bears mascot

Requests for SpEd Forms access can be directed to David Thomas: david.thomas@isd624.org

students in art class pose for a picture

White Bear Lake Area Schools provides a comprehensive program for students with disabilities. Services are provided to students who range in age from birth through high school, with some students receiving services until age 22.

From early intervention to community-based vocational training, students are provided a quality, individualized education program (IEP) in the least restrictive environment. Each school has a special education team that provides services to students with exceptional needs.

Mission for Special Education

White Bear Lake Area School's Mission for Special Education is to meet individual needs of students with disabilities through partnerships that promote life-long learning, independence and self-advocacy.

We Believe

Everyone has the right to be valued and respected.
Students with unique needs are entitled to equitable educational opportunities provided through a range of appropriate adaptations, services and programs.
Accountability for student growth and development requires shared responsibility across home, school and community settings.
Successful student focused transitions are driven by clear communication, shared knowledge and on-going support.
In promoting life skills and academics that will enable students to live, work and participate in the community.

ANNA BRAUN

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES COORDINATOR

District Service Center

School: (651) 407-7557

Buildings Served: Birch Lake, Lakeaires, North Star, Otter Lake, Vadnais Heights

SARA DERBY

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

Transition Education Center

School: (651) 773-6062

Buildings Served: Transition Plus, Project SEARCH, TAPP, AWARE, ALC, Insight

LISA DEXTER

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES COORDINATOR

District Service Center

School: (651) 407-7665

Buildings Served: Matoska, Willow Lane

KATHLEEN DOMSCHOT

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES COORDINATOR

District Service Center

School: (651) 407-7513

Buildings Served: Mariner Middle, White Bear Lake Area High School

ANGELA DRANGE

ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES ECSE

Normandy Park

School: (651) 653-3101

Buildings Served: Normandy Park, District Wide ECSE Programs, Lakeaires Elementary

LISA OUREN

DIRECTOR OF STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES

District Service Center

School: (651) 407-7552

DAVID THOMAS

STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES COORDINATOR

District Service Center

School: (651) 407-7593

Buildings Served: Oneka, Lincoln, Central Middle, NE Metro 916