What is GCED?
The Goodhue County Education District is a group of five member districts in southeastern Minnesota working together to provide effective and efficient educational services and funding for a variety of special education programs, staff development, extended, and alternative summer school services. The school districts include Cannon Falls, Goodhue, Kenyon Wanamingo, Red Wing, and Zumbrota Mazeppa. Other surrounding communities in Southeastern Minnesota also participate.
How is it Organized?
The Education District is organized under Minnesota statute (M.S.) 122.91 'for the purpose of increasing educational opportunities for learners by increasing cooperation and coordination among schools and family agencies in Goodhue County and post secondary institutions.' The Education District Board is composed of one representative from each member district who is a member of and appointed by the member district board. The Board receives direction from committees through the Principal's and Superintendent's Councils.
Who do we serve?
All students of member districts are eligible to receive services provided by or through the Education District with primary focus on special education services. Special education services provided to member district students, by the Education District, are determined by a student's needs based on specific criteria determined by the Minnesota Department of Education.
What services do we provide?
Blind/Visual Impairment-
Provides functional vision assessment, direct specialized skills teacher, adaptation of classroom materials, and consultation to parents, students and teachers.
Early Childhood Special Education-
ECSE Coordinator assists in planning and coordinating, screening,
assessment, consultation, and direct services provided to school districts for children aged birth to 7 years; provide inservices/workshops relevant to early childhood special education; direct instruction to children birth to age four.
Early Childhood Programs-
Coordinator provides program development and operation support for district's inclusive early childhood programs to include Learning Readiness Program (LRP), Early Childhood Family Education (ECFE), Preschool Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE), and At Risk for Children 3 to 7 years old. (Co-funded Collaborative Agreement with Goodhue County Social Services.)
Emotional/Behavioral Disorders-
Provide education for students with emotional or behavioral difficulties. The setting IV programs include Deer View, Wastedo, and Riverside. We also assist in program planning, inservice and student assessment, intervention, and consultation services provided to students, parents, and teachers.
Hearing Impaired-
Provide speech/language assessments for hearing impaired students; direct teaching of language, specialized skills and academics; and consultation to students, parents and teachers. Coordination and employment of interpreters to support students with severe hearing impairments.
Educational Audiology-
Provides support to staff and students to ensure optimal use of hearing in the educational environment and to provide consultation and inservice on hearing impairment, intervention strategies and use of amplification.
Occupational Therapy-
Provides assessment and services that prevent or minimize disability, relieves pain, develops and improves sensory and motor function, controls, postural deviations, and establishes and maintains maximum performance within the student's capabilities.
School Psychology-
Assessment, intervention, and consultation services provided to special education programs of member school districts.
Counseling Committee-
Provides a forum for districts' counselors to address common issues and needs across the schools of the county.
Physical and Health Disabilities (PHD) Assistive Technology (AT)-
Provides assessment, consultation, and direct services to building teams and students who have special education or special equipment needs due to physical handicaps and/or health problems.
District Special Education Coordinators (DSEC)-
Provides day to day support to member districts special/general education staff and administrators regarding State/Federal Due Process laws and procedures, special education programs and services and collaboration between GCED and other State and Federal agencies in Goodhue County.
Improved Learning Committee-
Teachers/Principals whose purpose is to develop staff development plans and activities that enhance teacher skills and knowledge in all educational areas in a cost effective manner across the schools.
Business & Education Partnership of Goodhue County-
Supports services to member school districts that assist in addressing School to Work Issues such as post secondary education, special population, gender equality, and communities business/industry school relationships.