Special Education

Summer Information and Contacts

If you have questions or concerns related to your child over the summer, please contact the principal at your child’s building. They will support your needs and include any additional staff needed to address your inquiry.

Welcome to Special Education!

Special education services are provided to eligible students in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).  The purpose of special education services is to “ensure that all children with disabilities have available to them a free appropriate public education that emphasizes special education and related services designed to meet their unique needs and prepare them for further education, employment, and independent living.” IDEA 601(d)(1).  

Special Education is specialized instruction specific to the child at no cost to parents. The instruction is designed to meet the unique needs of a child with a disability. Children must meet specific criteria set by the State of Minnesota and the Federal Government to receive special education services. Special Education is an instructional service, not a place.

The Minnetonka Special Education Department serves approximately 1,300 children from birth through age 21.  Special education services are provided in all of our buildings, and all schools have licensed special education staff providing intervention support, evaluations, and special education instruction.    

We offer a wide range of service delivery models. Most students receive services in their neighborhood school and, when possible, in their regular class setting. Service models include home-based services for infants and toddlers, 1:1 instruction, small group instruction, instruction in the general education classroom and off-site instruction as determined by the student's individual education planning (IEP) team.

Special Education Banner

Contact Us

Christine Breen

Christine Breen
Executive Director of Special Education and EL
christine.breen@minnetonkaschools.org
952-401-5036

Kristin Laughlin

Kristin Laughlin
Director of Special Education
Clear Springs Elementary, Excelsior Elementary. Minnewashta Elementary and MMW
kristin.laughlin@minnetonkaschools.org
952-401-5045

Shanna Lecy Headshot

Shanna Lecy
Director of Special Education
Deephaven Elementary, Groveland Elementary., Scenic Heights Elementary and MME
shanna.lecy@minnetonkaschools.org
952-401-5017

Angie Kleinedler

Angie Kleinedler
ECSE and Related Services Coordinator
angela.kleinedler@minnetonkaschools.org
952-401-6808

Erin Valenta headshot

Erin Valenta
Transition Services Coordinator (SAIL) and Minnetonka High School
erin.valenta@minnetonkaschools.org
952-283-8222