Wendy Fitch
Exceptional Children's Department
Executive Director
(704) 476-8063
[email protected]
The Exceptional Children's Department offers services (e.g. speech, occupational therapy, resource, physical therapy, visual/hearing services, etc.) to eligible students identified under guidelines set forth in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Services are provided by highly qualified and licensed teachers and related services staff in the least restrictive environment.
Parents and educators can begin the referral process to determine a student's eligibility for Exceptional Children's services by working with the student's home school Student Services Management team. At the appropriate time and if needed, the Student Services Management team will work with the school's Exceptional Children's department to obtain necessary testing and assessment. To review data, interventions, records and assessment results, an Individual Education Program (IEP) team (which includes the parent/guardian) will meet and make the final decision regarding a student's eligibility for services.
Cleveland County Schools follows all state and federal laws and guidelines governing the delivery of Exceptional Children's services. For more information contact the principal at your child's school or the Exceptional Children's department at 704-476-8000.