Special Education
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.
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.