Host a Resources for Exceptional Children: Special Needs & Academically & Intellectually Gifted
Exceptional Children Resource Files
Laws and processes related to services for exceptional children can often seem complicated and overwhelming. Despite the sometimes daunting task of trying to understand these complex issues, we are very fortunate in North Carolina in that families have free and easily accessible information available to them. The Exceptional Children Division of the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction provides helpful information on its website found at the following link: http://www.ncpublicschools.org/ec/policy/resources/
The Exceptional Children Division’s website contains links to both Procedural Safeguards: Handbook on Parents’ Rights and also Policies Governing Services for Children with Disabilities. Each of these guides provides easy to understand information on the processes and rights available to parents/caregivers of children with disabilities and learning differences.
Another excellent resource for parents of children with exceptional needs is the Wrightslaw website located at http://www.wrightslaw.com
This website discusses rights for children with disabilities that impact learning under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (“IDEA”) as well as rights for children under the Americans with Disabilities Act (“ADA”). The website discusses development of IEPs and 504 plans as well as the differences between these two areas of law.
Another excellent resource available for families in North Carolina is the Exceptional Children’s Assistance Center (“ECAC”). ECAC has staff and resources available to answer questions related to exceptional children’s issues and resources.