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.

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 Parent and Family Liaison

Based in the Office of Constituent Services, the special education parent/family liaison provides specialized support, outreach and training for families of children with disabilities; acts as a neutral resource for non-legal special education matters; and helps with concerns received by Office of Constituent Services or Chesterfield County Public Schools.

Special Education Parent & Family Liaison
Heather Storrie, Ed.D.
13900 Hull Street Road
Midlothian, VA 23112
Office: (804) 639-8666

Activities

Medford Basketball League

Every high school at CCPS participates in the Medford League, a basketball league for students with disabilities. The Medford League was created and developed to provide students with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, who do not have access to “traditional” high school athletics, the opportunity to train in the sport of basketball and compete in a safe and supportive environment.

Games are played weekly during the school day to promote school-wide support and participation. The season is 10 games, with a bye week, over 11 weeks and runs from January through March of the school year.

Teachers and coaches share information with students and families each year to identify those interested in participating. If a student or family is interested in joining a team, they should contact the coach in their school.

Unified Physical Education and Unified Sports

Unified Physical Education is a class that provides a unique opportunity for middle school and high school students with and without disabilities to come together through ongoing educational and physical activities. The course is structured around physical education standards and grade-level outcomes, which include gaining the knowledge and skills necessary to maintain a health-enhancing level of fitness. Additionally, the class supports the development of leadership skills for all students, and the empowerment of all students to foster an inclusive class and school-wide environment.

Students in the class also have the opportunity to participate in Unified Sports throughout the school year: Unified Bocce, Unified Basketball and Unified Track. This course can also be a gateway for further participation in Special Olympics programs and events.

To participate in Unified Physical Education, students must sign-up for the course during the course registration period. For more information, families should contact their school's counseling department or Unified Physical Education teacher.

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.