Language Access Overview
Effective two-way communication between school staff and students' families is essential for student success. Yelm Community Schools is dedicated to enhancing meaningful communication and ensuring access to district programs, services, and activities for students, parents, and families.
Identification of Language Access Needs
All parents and guardians enrolling in Yelm Community Schools must complete a home language survey as part of the enrollment process. The survey, provided by the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI), helps assess language support needs. The enrollment packet is available in multiple languages.
The survey asks about preferred language for written communication and the need for an interpreter (including ASL) for meetings or phone calls. This information helps the district identify families needing language access services.
The district reviews language needs annually based on the previous year's usage.
Provision of Language Access Services
Spoken Language and American Sign Language
To support parents and guardians needing spoken language interpretation, the district utilizes the following resources:
- Over-the-phone interpretation via Language Line or LinguaLinx
- District personnel, including bilingual teachers and paraeducators, bilingual front office staff, and bilingual education staff associates.
- Over-the-phone interpretation via School Messenger for messages sent by the district.
To support parents and guardians needing sign language interpretation, the district utilizes the following resources:
- District personnel competent in American Sign Language
- American Sign Language Interpreters from outside contract agencies
- Video remote interpretation
All families requiring spoken or American Sign Language interpretation are entitled to these services.
Families can also request interpretation by completing the Accessibility & Effective Communication form on the Yelm Community Schools district website.
Translations
Families who require written communication in languages other than English can access translated materials. District forms, including enrollment paperwork and handbooks, are automatically translated each year through an approved vendor. For more information on translations, please contact the Language Access liaison.
Monitoring of Language Access Services
To assess the effectiveness of language access services, the district gathers feedback from parents and guardians through forms, direct communication with the Language Access liaison, and during annual program reviews.
At the end of each school year, the Language Access liaison, in collaboration with district staff, conducts a self-assessment using an OSPI reflection tool. Based on the results, the district will update the plan as needed.
The entire Yelm Community Schools Language Access Plan can be found under ‘Resources’
Need Support?
E: language_access@ycs.wednet.edu
P: 360.458.6124
Resources
Language Access via OSPI
Parent’s Rights to Interpretation and Translation Services (English|Spanish)
Full Language Access Plan (English|Spanish)
