SECTION 1: BMP SERVICES & PERSONNEL
BMP TRI-COUNTY SPECIAL EDUCATION COOPERATIVE INTRODUCTION Welcome to the Bureau-Marshall-Putnam Tri-County Special Education Cooperative, located at 400 Galena, Tiskilwa, Il 61368. The BMP serves 15 school districts in Bureau and Marshall Counties. This Orientation Manual has been prepared as a reference guide to help you answer questions and become aware of the specific services offered by BMP. It also outlines most of the procedures, services and best practices followed by the cooperative. If you have any questions that are not answered in this manual, please contact any of the BMP staff at 815-646-8031. We can also be reached by FAX at 815-646-8087. SERVICES The BMP provides a variety of services to member districts that include: 1. Problem Solving Team Consultations 9. Inservice Training/Lending Library 2. Psychological Assessments 10. Assistive Technology Resources 3. School Social Work Services 11. Assistance with Pupil & Personnel Claims 4. Academic/Behavioral Technical Assistance 12. Special Education Legal Issues 5. Assistance with Preschool Screenings 13. Transition Plan Assistance 6. Out of District Placements 14. Provision of Required Forms 7. Program Deviations 15. Physical & Occupational Therapy 8. Classroom Visitation/Observations 16. Crisis Intervention Training IDEA IDEA is a federally funded project administered by the BMP Cooperative. The purpose of this grant is to provide services for students whose academic, physical, social, emotional, or behavioral concerns are impacting adversely on their educational performance. Evaluation and counseling services are provided directly to school staff, students and their families. Consultation, teacher training, curriculum/materials, and inservice workshops are available to school personnel and families of member districts. For more information regarding inservice opportunities, please contact Barbara Spitzer, Inservice Coordinator or visit our website at www.bmpspeced.com.. REGULATIONS The BMP operates under the ISBE Special Education Rules and Regulations and Federal Guidelines. 1.1
STAFF The BMP employs a Director, Coordinators, Consultants, Bookkeeper, Inservice Coordinator, Office Manager, School Psychologists, School Social Workers, Motor Therapists and Support Staff. 2015-2016 BMP SPECIAL EDUCATION STAFF Gwen Garver, MS, Director of Special Education Kami Becker, MS, Speech Coordinator Stacy Bland, MSW, School Social Worker Supervisor Jenny Churchill, MS, School Psychologist Supervisor Christina Cunningham, MSW, School Social Worker Gloria Duffin, MS, Coordinator Mary Efflandt, MS, School Psychologist Susan Ernst, MSW, School Social Worker Autumn Fahnestock, MSW, School Social Worker Bridget Foes, MS, Coordinator Nancy Franz, Vision Consultant* Lacy Hansen, MSW, School Social Worker Sandy Hicks, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant Janine Huffman, MS, Coordinator Lydia Jones, MS, Coordinator Jody Juillerat, School Psychologist Rebecca Keene, MSW, School Social Worker Jennifer Love, School Psychologist Denise Kelly, MS, Coordinator Emily Kunkel MSW, School Social Worker Laura Marek, Occupational Therapist* Georgann McCartney, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant Karen McManus, Occupation Therapist Brenda Mehrkens, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant Cindy Penzenik, Physical Therapist/Motor Supervisor Cathy Phillips, Secretary/Administrative Assistant Angelee Pierson, Physical Therapist Assistant Nicole Pitman, Certified Occupational Therapy Assistant Michelle Plym, Office Manager Kim Sheppard, MSW, School Social Worker Doris Smith, Secretary Barbara Spitzer, MS, Inservice/Preschool Coordinator Tricia Urbaanowski, MSW, School Social Worker Mike Vigars, MS, School Psychologist Jaqueline Wade, MS, School Psychologist Jill Woulf, MSW, School Social Worker Lindsey Zidow, School Psychologist 1.2