Lake Local Schools provides a continuum of services to students ages three through 21 identified with a disability under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA). Students identified with a disability receive specially designed instruction and services through an Individual Education Plan (IEP). Services are provided in accordance with Ohio's Operating Standards for Ohio's Schools Serving Children with Disabilities on Evaluation for all children with suspected disabilities, age three through age 21. 

• Education for all children with disabilities, age three through 21 years. 

• Students with disabilities must be provided with a free appropriate public education (FAPE), per state/federal laws. The special education department of Lake Local Schools collaborates with staff from each of the district buildings to provide students with access and progress in the general education curriculum.

• Promotes an understanding of the rights, independence, and responsibility for students from early intervention/preschool through senior high school and onward to independent living, employment or post secondary education.

• Assists regular education teachers in identifying student needs and interventions.

• Guides intervention specialists (special education teachers) and support staff. (therapists/paraprofessionals) to use best practices for supporting student needs.

• Provides all district staff with legally defensible procedures to follow legislative requirements of laws for persons with disabilities.

• Offers or accesses training to support staff professional development.