Special Services (Special Education)

Welcome to the District 58 Special Services Department!

The Special Services Department provides a continuum of special education services and programs; screenings and evaluations; and the gold-rated Grove Children’s Preschool program. The department also offers support services for preschool children who may be at-risk for future academic difficulties due to cultural and/or socio-economic factors. The goal of the Special Services Department is to help all of DG58’s children to achieve academically, develop socially and emotionally, and become independent, life-long learners. Under the federal law, all eligible students are entitled to special education and related services through the age of 21, inclusive (i.e., through the day before the student's 22nd birthday). 

Students with disabilities who do not qualify for an individualized education program under the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act may qualify for services of Section 504 of the federal Rehabilitation Act of 1973 if the student (i) has a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more major life activities, (ii) has a record of a physical or mental impairment, or (iii) is regarded as having a physical or mental impairment.

Questions about the identification, assessment and placement of students should be directed to Assistant Superintendent for Special Services Jessica Stewart at 630-719-5823.  If you have any questions or would like additional information, please contact us by email or phone.

Contacts:

  • Jessica Stewart, Assistant Superintendent for Special Services, 630-719-5823, jstewart@dg58.org (general questions and issues, therapeutic day school placements)
  • Barbara Martin Gilleylen, Administrative Assistant, 630-719-5800 or bmartingilleylen@dg58.org (general questions and issues, transportation)
  • Lauren Hartelius, Special Programs and Behavior Support Systems Coordinator, lhartelius@dg58.org (Indian Trail RISE, Kingsley BEST, O'Neill BEST & DLP)
  • Tiffany Williams, Special Programs Coordinator, tiffanywilliams@dg58.org (Hillcrest DLP, Pierce Downer RISE, Herrick RISE, PUNS coordinator)
  • Susan Dillon, Preschool and SASED Coordinator, 630-968-0454, sdillon@dg58.org (preschool questions and SASED placements)

Useful Documents/Links: