Education: Birth - 22 and Beyond
All children and youth with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD) must receive a free appropriate public education that includes fair evaluation, ambitious goals, challenging objectives, the right to progress, individualized supports and services, high quality instruction, and access to the general education curriculum in age-appropriate inclusive settings. Parents and families must be supported as essential partners in the education and transition to adult life of their sons and daughters.
EARLY INTERVENTION: Birth - 36 months
Infant Toddler Connection
The Infant & Toddler Connection of Virginia is Virginia's early intervention system for infants and toddlers (age 0-36 months) with disabilities and their families. Any infant or toddler in Virginia who isn't developing as expected or who has a medical condition that can delay typical development is eligible to receive early intervention supports and services under Part C of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
Early intervention supports and services focus on increasing the child's participation in family and community activities that are important to the family. In addition, supports and services focus on helping parents and other caregivers know how to find ways to help their children learn during everyday activities.
The Infant & Toddler Connection of Virginia’s supports and services are available to all eligible children and their families regardless of a family's ability to pay.
Families: Questions, not sure what to do, want help getting started, contact New Path - The Arc of Virginia's Family Support Network Email: [email protected] Call: (804) 649-8481 x 104
SPECIAL EDUCATION: 3 years -22 years
The Individuals with Disability Education Act (IDEA) is what guarantees a free appropriate public education to all eligible children with disabilities. These are the steps in the special education process:
- Identification and referral
- Evaluation
- Determination of eligibility
- Development of an individualized education program (IEP) and determination of services
- Reevaluation
When your child receives special education services this means their instruction is specially designed to meet the needs of the child. This is at no cost to the parent. This includes instruction in the classroom, home, hospitals or other settings. This includes instruction in physical education. If your child is receiving special education an Individualized Education Program (IEP) is written. The IEP provides information specifically about your child and how this program is going to improve teaching, how your child learns and their academic results. This program is designed specifically for your child and to meet their specific needs.
Families: Questions, not sure what to do, want help getting started, contact New Path - The Arc of Virginia's Family Support Network Email: [email protected] Call: (804) 649-8481 x 104
Additional Resources:
Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center
disAbility Law Center of Virginia
BEYOND PUBLIC SCHOOL EDUCATION
VA Dept. of Rehabilitative Services
Students and Families: If you have questions, not sure what to do, want help getting started, contact The Arc of Virginia: Email: [email protected] Call: (804) 649-8481 x 104