What is Special education?
Special Education is commonly defined as, specially designed instruction, at no cost to parents, to meet the unique needs of a child with a disability. Special education is governed by federal law and the rights of all children identified are actively enforced. In fact there is a very important law that all families should be aware of. According to their website, “The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a law ensuring services to children with disabilities throughout the nation. IDEA governs how states and public agencies provide early intervention, special education and related services to more than 6.5 million eligible infants, toddlers, children and youth with disabilities.” All children from birth to age 21 with disabilities are covered under this law. Children from birth to age two and their families receive services under IDEA Part C and children ages 3-21 receive services under IDEA Part B. IDEA ensures that ALL children throughout the United States are taken care of and are given the best education possible.
Special Education is a free service provided to all families and students that qualify. Each child’s needs are evaluated and then met through special education. In South Carolina there are other rules, regulations and laws that must be followed to protect students with disabilities. Typically students who qualify for special education have needs that may not be best met in a regular classroom or even regular school.
Eligibility Requirements and Referral Process
To begin receiving services students must be identified. In South Carolina educators use the SEED Document, The Standards for Evaluation and Eligibility Determination, as a companion to the South Carolina State Board of Education’s regulation 43-243.1, the Criteria for Entry into Programs of Special Education for Students with Disabilities. Using the documents, educators work with evaluation teams within schools or districts to assess each case individually. Children may be referred by teachers, parents or other educators or caregivers. Once referred the child undergoes a battery of assessments to cover all of his/her needs, including hearing, vision, health, intelligence, academic performance, peer relations, social/emotional status and physical abilities. All assessments are conducted professionally and thoroughly. Once the team has collected all necessary data they will evaluate the data and make their recommendations for the child’s placement. This is called the IEP, or Individualized Education Program. It will detail specifically all accommodations that must be met for the student. It will be revisited and revised at least twice or year, or more frequently if necessary. Sometimes the process can take a very long time, but it is imperative that all evaluations are complete before placing the child. This will allow the child to be placed in the best environment for their needs.
Resources for Families
The US Department of Education Website : http://www.ed.gov/?src=a
IDEA website : http://idea.ed.gov/explore/home
Special Education Laws for South Carolina can be found : http://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t59c033.php
IDEA website : http://idea.ed.gov/explore/home
Special Education Laws for South Carolina can be found : http://www.scstatehouse.gov/code/t59c033.php