The Vermont Agency of Education has been reviewing the procedures at the Woodside Juvenile Rehabilitation Center (Woodside) in an effort to improve the delivery of services and Special Education services to students who have been placed at the facility. Many of the students placed at Woodside are eligible for Special Education or Section 504 Plan modifications, aids and services and, therefore, must be afforded all of their rights under the law while in attendance at Woodside. Any student whose length of stay at Woodside exceeds 10 days is entitled to receive appropriate Special Education services and/or accommodations and modifications.
The obligation to ensure that Woodside students are receiving a free and appropriate public education remains with their Local Education Agency (LEA), the district of residence for the student. This includes the responsibility for any Special Education evaluations or reevaluations as well as the development of any educational plans for the student. LEAs must work closely with Woodside staff to ensure that appropriate services are provided. The first step in this process should be the immediate sharing of the most recent evaluation report and individualized education program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan by the LEA with the Woodside facility. If a student will be staying at Woodside for more than 10 days, additional information may also be requested and must also be provided to Woodside in a timely manner.