Special Education Services - Chesapeake Public Schools

Special Education Services

Preschool Intake
Purpose To identify children from two to five years of age who may be in need of special education and related services. "Developmental Delay" means a significant delay in one or more of the following areas of development for a child below the age of eight:
	Cognitive ability Motor skills Social/adaptive behavior Perceptual skills Communication skills
	Referrals may be received from parents, Chesapeake Public Schools employees, and community agencies.
Reverse Mainstreaming
Definition Reverse Mainstreaming provides an opportunity for non-disabled children to participate in preschool classes that serve children with developmental delays. Purpose
	Builds self-esteem Develops acceptance of others Allows all children the opportunity to learn and play together Provides age-appropriate peer models Provides age-appropriate activities Contact your neighborhood school, the Parent Resource Center (482-5923), or the Special Education Office (494-7600) for more details. "LEARN AND PLAY THE KIDS’ WAY"
Transition Services
	Purpose The goal of transition planning is to prepare students with disabilities for life after high school. Transition services are based on each student’s needs, likes and interests. Transition planning should begin no later than grade 9 or age 14, whichever comes first. Chesapeake Public Schools’ Office of Special Education has three full-time transition specialists who serve all middle and high schools. The transition specialists work with all students who have a transition plan in their IEP. Beginning at age 14, a course of study will be developed by the IEP team. This will specify the educational courses and experiences in school and the community that will assist the student in achieving his/her post school goals. For students pursuing a modified standard diploma, consideration is made for the student’s need for occupational readiness, including courses to prepare the student as a career and technical education program completer. The IEP team will address five areas in the transition plan and their potential outcomes. These include the areas of: postsecondary employment outcomes, career and technical education, postsecondary education, independent living and community participation. Transition services are available to all students with current IEPs regardless as to whether the student is pursuing an advance studies diploma, a standard diploma, a modified standard diploma, a certificate of achievement diploma or a certificate of attendance diploma. At the age of 16 and older the IEP team will address postsecondary agency/services linkages that are vital to the successful transition into the community. For more information contact a Special Education Transition Specialist at 494-7600.