Special Education

Annual survey about parent involvement

Parents of school-age children and youth with disabilities who receive special education services are asked to complete the Virginia Department of Education parent involvement survey. The annual survey is open through Dec. 13. Please complete one survey for each of your children who received special education services in the 2023-24 school year. You can access the 13-question survey via the links on the right side of this page. Parents also have access to frequently asked questions (scroll to “indicator 8” for information about the parent involvement survey).

Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA)

The Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) is a federal law that provides guidelines and regulations for how states and public agencies provide early intervention, special education and related services. Determining a child’s eligibility for special education and related services is a detailed process that involves making decisions that play a critical role in a child’s educational programming and preparation for school completion and postsecondary life. 

Chesterfield County Public Schools (CCPS) and school staff are subject to the rules and laws as outlined in the Regulations Governing Special Education Programs for Children with Disabilities in Virginia (Regulations, 2015), Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA, 2004), and CCPS School Board Policy. The CCPS Special Education Manual for families will be forthcoming. In the event of any inconsistencies or conflict between these documents as it relates to special education, the following order of precedence applies: 

  • Federal law

  • State law

  • Board policy

The Special Education Process

The information below is intended to support the public’s understanding of the special education processes related to referral, evaluation, eligibility, and the IEP process. Learning more about the special education process allows families to more effectively collaborate with the division and school staff to provide the best possible learning environment for children with disabilities. The VDOE Guide to the Special Education Evaluation Process for Families includes videos that provide an overview of each step in the special education process. The videos, along with helpful information about the process in CCPS are provided below.

Early Intervention

Special Education Process Timelines

  • Referral Process: Referral team meets within 10 business days following receipt of the referral. Referral team informs school-based special education administrator within 3 business days if the child is referred for special education

  • Special Education Evaluation and Eligibility Determination: Evaluations are completed and decisions about eligibility for special education are made within 65 business days of the receipt of the referral

  • Special Education Eligibility to Individualized Education Program (IEP) Meeting: 30 calendar days

  • Annual Review of IEP: At least annually

  • Reevaluation: At least every 3 years

  • Initial referral from IDEA Part C, to early childhood special education (ECSE): No later than April 1st in a given year for a child who is two by September 30 or at least 6 months prior to the child’s third birthday

  • Transition from early intervention, IDEA Part C, to ECSE, IDEA Part B: Children eligible for ECSE services and transitioning from early intervention to ECSE, must have an IEP in place by their third birthday.

  • Secondary Transition Planning: Prior to the first IEP to be in effect when the child turns 14. Updated annually

Special Education Advisory Committee

The Special Education Advisory Committee is composed of parents, professionals and others appointed by the School Board for three year terms. Monthly meetings are public, and anyone can attend. Learn more about the Special Education Advisory Committee.