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Special Education

SPECIAL EDUCATION

Washington County Schools’ Special Education Department is committed to guaranteeing that all students are treated equitably, including those with diverse learning needs that require additional supports inside and outside of the classroom. This department seeks to foster an inclusive learning environment where all students can thrive academically, socially and emotionally, and is dedicated to empowering every student through personalized support to ensure that they reach their full potential.

  • What is Special Education?

    Special education is instruction that is specially designed and uniquely tailored to meet the needs of children with disabilities. Public schools must provide special education and related services (e.g. Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Speech) to eligible students with disabilities at no cost to the parents. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is the law that gives qualified children with disabilities the right to receive special and related services in public schools. The IDEA applies to children from ages three to 21.

    The Kentucky Parent Guide for Special Education provides families and other stakeholders with information on the special education process and services provided to students throughout the state. 

  • What is an IEP?

    An IEP is a written, individualized program that outlines the services and supports the school and district will provide to students who qualify for special education and related services. IEPs help ensure students can access the general education curriculum. The Admissions and Release Committee (ARC) is the team responsible for developing a student’s IEP. Parents are a vital member of their child’s ARC. The ARC will review the student’s IEP at least once a year to be sure it continues to meet the unique educational needs of the student. ​

  • What is the Admissions and Release Committee (ARC)?

    The ARC is a specialized team that works together to ensure students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) have equitable access to curriculum, instruction and other school-based services. The ARC has several duties including, but not limited to, designing an IEP that meets the student’s disability-specific needs and allows the student to make progress in the general education curriculum. 

    The ARC is made up of several members. Members include (707 KAR 1:320, Section 3): 

    (a) The parents or legal guardians of the child;

    (b) Not less than one (1) regular education teacher;

    (c) Not less than one (1) special education teacher;

    (d) A representative of the school/district who is qualified to provide or supervise special education services and has knowledge of available resources;

    (e) An individual who can understand and explain the results of evaluations;

    (f) Other individuals (invited by the parent/guardian or school) with knowledge and expertise of the child; 

    (g) Related services providers (e.g. Speech, Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy);

    (h) The child (if appropriate); and 

    (i) With parental consent, the school must also invite representatives from any other agencies that are likely to be responsible for paying for or providing transition services (for transition-aged students).​

    Families are not only essential partners in the education and schooling of their child b​ut full members of an ARC team. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the 2008 Kentucky Administrative Regulations (KAR) on Special Education Programs outline the roles and responsibilities of parents and school districts regarding ARC meetings and IEP development.  

    Additional Resources:

    • Preparing for the ARC: This document helps parents and families think through questions or concerns they may have when preparing to attend an ARC meeting. It can be printed out and taken to the ARC. 
    • IEP Team: This document provides information on the ARC from the Center for Parent Involvement and Resources (CPIR)
    • Parents on the IEP Team (English) and Más Sobre el Equipo del IEP (Spanish) from CPIR

  • ARC Chairs

    WCES: Lena Bramblett, Matthew Reed, Leonard Abell
    NWES: Alicia Kelly, Tyler Campbell, Brett Hudson
    WCMS: Mandy Sagrecy
    WCHS: Charlie Cox, Erin Waldridge, Eric Sagrecy
    District: Amanda Mattingly, Paula Turner

  • Training and Support Opportunities for Parents and Families

    Kentucky has many groups, councils and agencies that work with and provide support to families, including families of children with disabilities. Many of these groups host a variety of virtual and in-person events and training during the year. These events offer opportunities for parents and families of children to grow in their knowledge and understanding as well as actively engage in a community among families of children with disabilities. To find out more about upcoming events, click on the links below. 

  • How to Request a Meeting

    If a parent or guardian would like to request an initial meeting to discuss their child’s needs and consideration for determination of eligibility for special education services, they should contact their school’s principal or Amanda Mattingly, Director of Special Education.

    If a student has an IEP, the parent or guardian may request a meeting to discuss concerns or progress any time by contacting their child’s Case Manager or the school office. (include phone numbers for each school and Central Office)

  • Norton Healthcare
    12615 Taylorsville Rd Ste B, Louisville, KY 40299
    502-629-1234

    Norton Children's Autism Center
    2933 Breckenridge Lane, Louisville, KY 40220
    502-588-0736

    Hopebridge
    1300 E. New Circle Rd, Ste 150, Lexington, KY 40505
    859-685-1019

    Whitten Psychological Services
    10337 Linn Station Rd, Louisville, KY 40223
    502-895-0000

    Edelson & Associates
    7511 New La Grange Rd., Louisville, KY 40222
    502-423-1151

    Murray State University Center for Autism Spectrum Disorders
    102 Curris Center, Murray, KY 42071
    270-809-3885

    Bluegrass Counseling Services
    1029 Monarch St. Ste 140, Lexington, KY 40513
    859-368-7660

    Bundy & Associates Psychological Services
    Lifeworks Building, 90 Southport Dr, Lexington, KY 40503
    859-227-5614

    Child & Adolescent Psychological Evaluations
    120 Sears Ave, Ste 202, St. Matthews, KY 40207
    502-265-6790

    Graven & Associates
    8007 Lyndon Centre Way, Ste 101, Louisville, KY 40222
    502-690-8024

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