Learning Resource Center

Some students visit the LRC for occasional help—such as catching up on missed work or strengthening a specific skill. Others may have formal support through an IEP (Individualized Education Plan) or a Learning Support Plan (commonly referred to as a 504 Plan). These students receive regular, scheduled instruction from the Learning Resource Specialist.

What is an IEP?
An IEP is a legally recognized educational plan created through Seattle Public Schools (SPS) to support students with diagnosed learning needs. Private school students are eligible for this process at no cost. The Learning Resource Specialist at St. Alphonsus can assist families in beginning the application.

IEP Process:

1. Families complete SPS application documents describing their child’s needs.
2. St. Alphonsus teachers provide additional documentation.
3. SPS assigns an educational specialist to evaluate the student, typically onsite at St. Alphonsus.
4. Once the evaluation is complete, SPS holds a meeting with the family and school staff to determine eligibility.

If eligible:

• SPS provides free tutoring in one academic area through Spring Academy.
• Students receive two 45-minute tutoring sessions each week, held during the school day at St. Alphonsus.
• Spring Academy provides semester progress updates to families.
• IEP enrollment typically occurs twice a year: August and January.
• IEPs are re-evaluated every three years.

What is a Learning Support Plan?
St. Alphonsus offers customized Learning Support Plans for students who need academic, physical, or emotional support but do not have an IEP. These plans are created collaboratively by the Learning Resource Specialist, families, teachers, and the student.

Support Plan Timeline:

Beginning of the Year (August–September):

• The Learning Resource Specialist meets with families to create or revise the plan.
• Teachers provide input.
• The plan is reviewed and signed by the family, homeroom teacher, and principal.
• Copies are shared with all relevant teachers.

Mid-Year Review (January–February):

• Plans are reviewed and adjusted based on student progress.
• Updated documents are signed and distributed to the teaching team.

The Learning Resource Specialist works closely with teachers to ensure that accommodations and goals are integrated into classroom instruction and assessments.

Students with IEPs or Learning Support Plans may receive weekly services that include:

• 1:1 or small-group “pull-out” sessions in the LRC
• In-classroom support from the Learning Resource Specialist
• Scheduled sessions during Spanish class (see below)

Students in grades 3 and above who require consistent academic support may opt out of weekly Spanish classes for targeted LRC sessions. This option is available to students with an IEP, Learning Support Plan, or other demonstrated needs. Interested families should speak with the Principal.

St. Alphonsus partners with a licensed speech therapist who offers onsite evaluations and weekly 1:1 therapy sessions during the school day. Families may contract directly with the therapist.

A volunteer counselor is available onsite several days per week to work with students. This beloved program provides social-emotional support in a familiar school setting. For more information, contact the Principal.

While St. Alphonsus does not conduct evaluations, the Learning Resource Specialist can connect families with trusted professionals who assess:

• Learning differences
• Attention and focus challenges
• Fine and gross motor skills
• Vision and eye tracking
• Speech development

Following evaluation, the school partners with specialists and families to implement recommendations. See the Learning Support Plan section above for more details on how results are integrated into the classroom.

Middle school students may enroll in a weekly after-school Homework Club for guided support. For more information or to register, contact the Learning Resource Specialist.