ACPS provides services for students with disabilities, ages 2 to 21, who are found eligible to receive special education services. The eligibility determination for special education services is a carefully managed process guided by the Regulations Governing Special Education Programs for Children with Disabilities in Virginia (PDF) (January 25, 2010). Evaluations required to make this determination are completed by a team of professionals only when parental permission is granted. Once found eligible, an individualized education program (IEP) is developed cooperatively by the student's parents, educators, principal/designee, student (when appropriate), and other invited participants.

Special education services are provided in the least restrictive environment in the neighborhood school to the maximum extent appropriate for children with disabilities to be educated with children who are not disabled. City-wide special education services are provided in specific situations when the nature or severity of the disability is such that education in general education classes using supplementary aids and services cannot be achieved satisfactorily.

Regulations and Guidelines

• Federal Regulations (PDF)
• Virginia Regulations (PDF)
• ACPS Guidelines for the Emergency Use of Seclusion and Restraint for Students with Disabilities (PDF)
• Assessment Information for Students with Disabilities: English (PDF) | Spanish (PDF)

Procedural Safeguards:

• English (PDF)
• Arabic (PDF)
• Chinese (PDF)
• Farsi (PDF)
• Korean (PDF)
• Spanish (PDF)
• Urdu (PDF)

Specialized Instruction Department Description (PDF)