Special Services

Special Services Department Overview

In keeping with the district’s overall mission, the Office of Special Services strives to put “Children First…Every Day” by providing a progressive and challenging education that gives all of our students, and thereby the community, the opportunity to achieve their greatest potential.
 
Orangeburg County School District Office of Special Education Services provides free appropriate public education to children with disabilities ages 3 to 21 in accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Our faculty and staff of  teachers, assistants, therapists and other specialists are trained to provide specialized instruction and assistance designed to meet the individual needs of students identified as having disabilities.  When a student is found eligible for special education, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) Team will consider a range of educational programs and related services and determine the level and type(s) of support the student may need. It is the mission of the IEP team to collaborate and support individuals with disabilities in the general education program to the maximum extent appropriate.
 
By partnering with parents, general and special educators work collaboratively and individually to address the unique learning needs of students with disabilities.

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
Handbook to Special Services - Listing of Rights and Procedural Safeguards under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the Federal law concerning the education of students with disabilities, requires schools to provide you, the parents/guardians of a child with a disability, with a notice containing a full explanation of the procedural safeguards available under IDEA and U.S. Department of Education regulations. A copy of this notice must be given to you only one time a school year, except that a copy must also be given to you: (1) upon initial referral or your request for evaluation; (2) upon receipt of your first State complaint under 34 CFR §§300.151 through 300.153 and upon receipt of your first due process complaint under §300.507 in a school year; (3) when a decision is made to take a disciplinary action against your child that constitutes a change of placement; and (4) upon your request. [34 CFR §300.504(a)].
When a child has a disability, the partnership between school and home is based on equal knowledge and respect. This handbook is written to answer many of the questions parents frequently ask about special education and is designed to be a reference that includes information about special education services in Orangeburg County Schools and the rights your family has.
In an effort to reduce paper waste, our department will ensure that you receive a copy of the procedural safeguards annually unless otherwise specified (see explanations above).