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Exceptional Children's Services
Program Description
Students with disabilities in the Cumberland County School System receive Exceptional Children’s (EC) services based on the educational need for specially designed instruction when standard instruction with modification is not effective. The services emphasize maximized participation in typical settings for students three through twenty-one years of age.
Students receive services in typical school settings from highly qualified professionals, in varying amounts of time depending on individual needs. Amounts of service range from minimal modification of the North Carolina Standard Course of Study to full-time specially designed instruction with related services. All service decisions are specified in an Individualized Education Program (IEP) jointly developed by parents and school teams. Determination of the need for specially designed instruction is determined through a comprehensive, multidisciplinary evaluation process.
Whenever possible, students are served in schools within their home attendance area or in schools of choice with support from special education personnel and related service providers. For those students who must have a specialized setting or more intensive services in order to benefit from their special education, programs are clustered geographically but continue to be based on school campuses that house age-appropriate peers. The assignment is completed by the Exceptional Children’s office, based on the closest class to home attendance school.
Statement of Understanding Disclaimer
Learn more about the understanding of the parent/guardian upon enrollment to our Cumberland Virtual Academies.
Section | Details |
Statement of Understanding Disclaimer | Learn more about the understanding of the parent/guardian upon enrollment to our Cumberland Virtual Academies. |
Services | Exceptional Children’s Services are provided under various categorical designations, including: Autism Spectrum Disorder, Serious Emotional Disability, Deafness-Blindness, Hearing Impairment, Developmental Delay, Multiple-Disabilities, Other Health Impairment, Orthopedic Impairment, Speech/Language Impairment, Visual Impairment, Traumatic Brain Injury, Intellectual Disability (Mild, Moderate, and Severe), Specific Learning Disabilities. |
Newcomers | If you are new to Cumberland County and have a child receiving special education services, contact the school in your attendance area and provide documentation of your child’s special needs. During school closures, contact the EC Instructional Building at 910-484-3391. If you suspect your child may need special education services, contact your school principal, Student Services Team, or EC case teacher. |
Exceptional Children’s Personnel | EC Personnel provide information and assistance to school personnel to ensure that all procedures for students with disabilities are followed. They also offer training on laws/policies and classroom practices, and consult with parents needing information about specific disabilities, community resources, or their child's education. |
Child Find | If you have concerns about a child possibly having a disability requiring special education services, contact the child's school and ask to speak with the EC Case Teacher or Principal. |