Special Education

We believe that each student is to be educated in the least restrictive environment--to the maximum extent possible with non-disabled peers.

Effingham Unit #40 School District strives to provide a continuum of educational services based on each student's educational needs. The programs range from speech services only, learning disabilities resource services, to self-contained programs for students with extensive needs.

Service Area

Effingham Unit #40 also provides Special Education Services for students attending Sacred Heart, St. Anthony Schools, and other private schools in Unit #40 School District. Students with special needs who are being home-schooled are also eligible to receive services.

Eastern Illinois Area of Special Education

Eastern Illinois Area of Special Education (EIASE) leases classrooms for their TLC programs and also East Side School for their Southern Region Treatment and Learning Center. Contract services with EIASE include the following:

  • Physical Therapy
  • Occupational Therapy
  • Adaptive Physical Therapy
  • Vision
  • Hearing
  • Vocational Educational Services

Additional Resources

Council for Disability Rights
IL Dept. of Special Education
Notice of Procedural Safeguards

Contact Information

Jenny Seachrist
Special Programs Director
P.O. Box 130
Effingham, IL 62401

Phone: 217.540.1526
Fax: 217.540.1512

Jodi Buehnerkemper
School Psychologist
217.540.1518

Susan Gillenwater
School Psychologist
217.540.1525

Erin McDevitt
School Psychologist
217.540.1519

Shannon Hall-Nannini
School Social Worker
PUNS Designated Employee
217.540.1514

Beth Stundon
School Social Worker
217.540.1380

Linda Baker
Administrative Assistant
217.540.1522