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Department of Special Services

Department Administration

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Director of Special Services

Hannah Iversen
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Administrative Assistant – Special Services

Jill Lytten
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At Kearney School District, we believe every student deserves the opportunity to succeed. Our Department of Special Services is dedicated to supporting students with disabilities, learning differences, and unique needs by providing specialized programs, services, and resources tailored to help each child grow and thrive.

We work closely with students, families, teachers, and community partners to create individualized supports that meet both academic and developmental goals. From early childhood interventions to transition services for young adults, our mission is to ensure that every learner receives the care and support they need to realize their full potential.

Our Services Include:

  • Special Education Programs for students ages 3 to 21

  • Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)

  • Section 504 Plans

  • Speech and Language Services

  • Occupational and Physical Therapy

  • Early Childhood Special Education

  • Behavioral and Social-Emotional Supports

  • Transition Planning and Support Services

Our Approach:

  • Focus on student strengths and abilities

  • Family collaboration and engagement

  • Compliance with all state and federal guidelines, including IDEA and Section 504

  • Professional development for staff to ensure best practices in special education

Contact Us:

If you have questions or need assistance, we’re here to help. Please contact our Department of Special Services at (816) 628‑4116 to speak with a member of our team.

Available Services

Services are available to students with:

  • Intellectual disabilities
  • Young child with a developmental delay
  • Visual impairment/blindness
  • Multiple disabilities
  • Specific learning disabilities
  • Emotional disturbance
  • Speech and language impairment
  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Autism
  • Orthopedic impairment
  • Hearing impairment/deafness
  • Other health impairments

Related Services:

Special services offers the following related services:  occupational therapy, physical therapy, orientation & mobility, and speech/language therapy. Related services are considered by IEP teams and added if the related service is necessary to access specially-designed instruction.

Missouri State Schools

There are three State School facilities that serve students with disabilities — Missouri School for the Blind in St. Louis, Missouri School for the Deaf in Fulton, and the Missouri School for the Severely Disabled.

The IEP team determines placement at Missouri State facility after gathering extensive data regarding the student’s functioning levels and progress in the current education setting. However, Missouri Elementary and Secondary Education personnel determine eligibility for such a placement.

Students from Kearney R-1 School District that are eligible for services from the State School for the Severely Handicapped attend classes at Maple Valley State School on the Campus of Maple Woods Community College. These students are included and participate in classes at their home school as determined by the IEP team. These students also receive many opportunities to participate in community-based activities.

Special Services Section