The Elko County School District Special Services Department provides information and assistance in areas of special education, English learners, and school health services. We promote collaboration among educators, students, parents, and community partners to ensure successful educational outcomes for students with disabilities and those learning English as a second language.
Early Childhood Special Education
We are committed to the continued growth and development of children ages three through five years. We address all aspects of communication, cognition, social-emotional, and motor skill development in order to promote continuous growth in all children. The various components of this special education program provide individualized services to children who meet eligibility requirements.
Eligibility Requirements
- The child must be three to five years old.
- The child must be an Elko County resident.
- The child’s parent/guardian must complete the assessment process.
- The child must meet eligibility requirements established by the state of Nevada.
Eligibility Categories
The child must be developmentally delayed in one or more of the following areas as determined by a comprehensive assessment:
- Cognitive abilities (socially or emotionally)
- Receptive or expressive language
- Self-help skills
- Gross/Fine motor function
Or the child must be identified with one or more of the following impairments that has been established by the Nevada Administrative Code:
- Autism
- Hearing impairment
- Visual impairment
- Orthopedic impairment
- Health impairment
- Speech/Language impairment
Early Childhood Special Education Assessment
Once we receive a Child Find referral, our team of school district professionals collects the appropriate information through formal and informal assessment methods.
The assessment includes the following:
- Screening for hearing and vision
- Obtaining the child’s developmental history from the parents/guardians
- A determination (made with staff and parents) of eligibility based on state guidelines
The team may also determine that a need exists for assessment in the areas of occupational and physical therapy.
Gifted & Talented
The gifted and talented child may not always earn good grades in school, but he/she may have a different way of looking at the world and learning.
The Elko County School District Gifted and Talented Program will empower academically talented third- through fifth-grade students with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes essential to becoming lifelong learners.
School Psychologists
Our school psychologists are highly trained in psychology and in education. They help children and youth succeed academically, socially, and emotionally. They collaborate with educators, parents, and other professionals to create safe, healthy, and supportive learning environments that strengthen connections between home and school for all students.
Special Services Staff
Dr. Ken Higbee
Director of Special Services
Send Email
Sarah Desart
Technology Coordinator
Send Email
Aaron Fisher
School Psychologist
Send Email
Carol Ganguet
Special Services Assistant
Send Email
Hans Gaul
School Psychologist
Send Email
Juan Granillo
School Psychologist
Send Email
Heather Howes
Special Education Coordinator
Send Email
Lucella Inman
Medicaid Secretary
Send Email
Hayley Schumacher
School Psychologist
Send Email
Bobbi Shanks
Nursing Coordinator
Send Email
Lelsy Stewart
ESL Coordinator
Send Email
Brandy Stout
Special Services Assistant
Send Email
Colette Wickersham
School Psychologist
Send Email
Jacqueline Zeiber
School Psychologist
Send Email