Williamson County Education Services

Learning for Life

  • Teacher Assistants Needed - Please call 618-993-2138 for more information!

    Member Districts

    • Johnston City School District
    • Marion School District
    • Crab Orchard School District
    • Herrin School District
    • Carterville School District

    Employee Health Insurance

    • Beginning November 1, 2023, the Southern Illinois Health and Wellness Insurance Trust (SIHWIT) will begin partnership with Clemens Insurance and Associates.  WCES staff will see no lapse in coverage.  The plan changes will include a move to Health Alliance, which will honor deductible credits for all current members. 

    Upcoming Events

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    Student Data Privacy

    • Williamson County Education Services takes the privacy of our student's data seriously.  This information intends to make transparent and is working diligently to be compliant with the Student Online Personal Protection Act (SOPPA) effective, July 1, 2021.

      Important Data Privacy Laws

      Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

      Governs information in a student’s education record, restricting access and use of student information.

      Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA)
      Restricts the collection of personal information from children under 13 by companies operating websites, games, mobile applications, and digital services that are directed to children or that collect personal information from individuals known to be children.

      Student Online Personal Protection Act (SOPPA)
      Guarantees that student data is protected when collected by educational technology companies, and that data is used for beneficial purposes only.

      Children’s Internet Protection Act (CIPA)
      Imposes certain requirements on schools that utilize the federal E-Rate program to receive discounts for internet access and other technology services, or that receive federal grants for other technology expenses.

      Annual Notice Regarding SOPPA: POLICY  

      What is SOPPA?

      What happens to the student data that we send to a third party vendor? Information like names, birthdates, etc... may be provided by WCES to a third party like Google, Embrace, etc... What protections do those companies have in place to make sure that our student's data is not sold or freely given to others? This is exactly what SOPPA looks to address.  As part of SOPPA, these companies must enter into Data Privacy Agreements (DPA) with each district they work with. These agreements outline what data is stored, how it is protected, what the company can and cannot do with that data, and what they will do in the event of a data breach.

      Data Privacy Agreements (DPA)

      WCES utilizes the Student Data Privacy Consortium (SDPC), which is an unique collaborative of schools, districts, regional, territories and state agencies, policy makers, trade organizations and marketplace providers addressing real-world, adaptable, and implementable solutions to growing data privacy concerns. If you would like to read more about the SDPC, click here. Through the SDPC we enter into contracts with 3rd party vendors who handle our student's data. If you would like to view the DPAs that WCES currently holds, please click the following link.  Keep in mind that member districts have many of their own vendor contracts, please see each member district's website for additional vendors. 
       

    Our Story

    • In 1969, the superintendents of the five Williamson County school districts determined that the most efficient way of providing special education services to their students was to establish a cooperative agreement between the districts.  In January 1969, the Williamson County Special Education Cooperative was established with Marion CUSD #2 as the administrative agent.  The superintendents hired Director, Aileen Parker and began to meet monthly as an Executive Board.  

      As other educational initiatives were developed by state and federal governments, the five school districts continued to work together to provide opportunities for students.  In 2005, the Williamson County Early Childhood Cooperative (WCECC) was established with Carterville CUSD #5 as the administrative agent.  WCECC provides Pre-Kindergarten program to over 600 children ages 3-5.  We have a total of 16 PreSchool for All (PFA) Classrooms and 3 Early Childhood Special Education classrooms that are all located within primary school buildings.  Within the PreSchool for All Program, a variety of models are utilized offering many opportunities for students and families.   In 2011, the already established WCSED cooperative grew to include special education and early childhood programs.

      In 2012, the cooperative expanded even more to include the Williamson County Career and Technical Education program (WCCTE).  Career and Technical Programs are offered at each district high school, expanding opportunities for students to get a head start on preparing for college and careers.  In CTE Programs students participate in hands-on training providing real world experiences through job shadows and internships.  Many programs offer recognized certifications which can be used to secure, secure financial assistance in college, or start a career straight out of high school.

      As the name WCSED did not reflect all of the programs under the five district joint agreement, a name change was initiated in July 2013.  The Executive Board officially changed the name of the joint agreement to Williamson County Education Services (WCES) and continues to meet each month to discuss the growing needs of special education, early childhood, and career and technical education. Our districts take great pride in expanding programs within home school and home district for all children.  

    Registration Information

    • All students must follow registration requirements of his/her home district.  Please check with your child's school for information regarding date, time, and required documents. 

    Related Service Log and Draft Information

    • Public Act 101-515 impacts the delivery of information related to children with disabilities.  School districts are required to provide all written materials that will be considered by the IEP Team (other than the components related to the educational and related service minutes proposed for the student and the student's education placement) to the student's guardian at least 3 school days prior to the IEP meeting.  As before, guardians will continue to receive all IEP paperwork at the end of each IEP meeting.  We understand that the content of the materials is confidential.  The draft copies may be provided email, in person for pick up, or regular mail. 

      Additionally, school districts must make related service logs that record the type of related services administered under a child's IEP and the minutes of each type of related service that has been administered to the child.  A guardian can request a copy of the service logs by contacting the WCES Office at 618-993-2138.

      We look forward to working with guardians to provide an appropriate education for each child.  Questions or concerns regarding the the information provided above or any other matter, please contact the Special Education Coordinator of your child's school. 

    Title IX

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