A student qualifies for Special Education services when the criteria set by State and Federal laws are met. An Individual Educational Program (IEP) is developed for each individual student based on their individual needs. Parents, regular and special education teachers, school psychologist, administrator and often the student are involved in the development of this IEP plan.
Special Education is founded on two very important principals, that of Free and Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) and Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). The concept of FAPE refers to appropriate service that is required to assist a disabled student to realize reasonable benefit from his/her education. LRE refers to the provision of services to students in the least restrictive environment.
A full continuum of services exists and is based on student need. This continuum refers not only to the type of services but the manner in which services are provided.
- Non-Public
- State and County Schools
- Special Day Classes (more than 50% of the day)
- Resource Specialist Program (less than 50% of the day)
- Regular Programs with Designated Instructional Services such as: Language, Audiological Services, Visually Handicapped Services, Orientation, and Mobility
- Home and Hospital
- Occupational and Physical Therapy
- Nursing Services
- Regular Programs with Modifications, Special Materials, and Services
