Irwin County Schools offers a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) to all children, ages 3-21, who reside within school system boundaries and who are identified as having a disability. If it is suspected that a student may have a disability and scientific research-based interventions have been used, an appropriate evaluation is completed by Irwin County Schools. After the evaluation is complete, a placement committee meets to review a wide array of data and determine if the child is a student with a disability based on Georgia Rules and Regulations. If the child qualifies for Special Education services and the parent/guardian consents to services, an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is developed.
Senate Bill 10
Under Georgia Senate Bill SB10, passed by the Georgia General Assembly in 2007, parents of students who receive special education may choose to transfer their child to another public school or private school in Georgia. Certain conditions apply.
Special Needs Scholarship Program
For more information, contact Tammy Sellers at 468-9510.
Special Education Evaluations
Evaluations and reevaluations performed by Irwin County Schools follow the the rules and regulations as determined by the Georgia Department of Education effective March 31, 2010.
Section 504
Under the Section 504 Resolution Agreement, Irwin County School System has adopted and implemented policies regarding student rights and procedural safeguards under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.
Overview of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
Section 504 Procedural Safeguards
Notice of Rights of Students and Parents Under Section 504
GADOE Special Education Services and Supports
Child Find Notice
In accordance with IDEA regulations, Irwin County Schools seeks to ensure that all disabled students (ages 3-21) who are in need of special education within its jurisdiction are identified, located, and evaluated, including those attending private school and home school. Final identification of students with disabilities and programming for such students occurs only after an appropriate evaluation and a determination by a Multidisciplinary Placement Team.
If the "child find" process indicates that a student may require special education and supportive services in order to benefit from regular education, the student shall be referred to the Multidisciplinary Placement Team to determine the student's eligibility for special education services.
If you know a child with a disability who is not being served, please notify the Director of Special Education.