Exceptional education means specially designed instruction to meet the unique educational needs of a child with a disability. It includes instruction; accommodations/modifications; supports; and related services needed as determined by the child’s individualized education program team. The parent is a necessary component and is always invited to participate as a team member. The steps in the exceptional education process include:

-Identification and Referral

-Evaluation

-Determination of eligibility

-Development of an IEP and determination of services

-Reevaluation

For more information, you may want to look at the VDOE document, Parents Guide to Special Education.

IDENTIFICATION AND REFERRAL

When parents or school staff notice that a student might need special help, they should give that information to the school system. A team will gather information and decide if an evaluation is needed. Information given by the parents is very important. Anyone who has a vested interest in the child's education can refer the student to the Child Study Team.  Contact your child's building administrator to complete the referral request.

DETERMINATION OF ELIGIBILITY

In order for a student to receive special education services, the student must meet the criteria of one or more of the thirteen disability categories which adversely affects educational performance. At the eligibility meeting, a team of qualified professionals and the parents of the student make a decision as to whether or not a student meets the requirements to receive special education services. If the student is found eligible, then an IEP will be developed and special education services will begin.