Embedded Files
Program Overview
Program Overview
The Candler County School District's Special Education Program serves students with disabilities by providing specialized instruction and related services delivered by a staff of professionals and support personnel.
The Candler County School District's Special Education Program serves students with disabilities by providing specialized instruction and related services delivered by a staff of professionals and support personnel.
Services are provided to eligible students ages 3 through 21.
Services are provided to eligible students ages 3 through 21.
Services are available for students with the following disabilities: Speech and language, intellectual, orthopedic, other health impairment, autism, traumatic brain injury, specific learning disability, hearing impaired, visually impaired, deaf-blind, emotional and behavioral disorders and significant developmental delay.
Services are available for students with the following disabilities: Speech and language, intellectual, orthopedic, other health impairment, autism, traumatic brain injury, specific learning disability, hearing impaired, visually impaired, deaf-blind, emotional and behavioral disorders and significant developmental delay.
Identification procedures include initial screening and further educational and psychological testing to determine if the student meets the State eligibility criteria.
Identification procedures include initial screening and further educational and psychological testing to determine if the student meets the State eligibility criteria.
An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is developed for each eligible student. IEP Teams review student strengths and weaknesses and consider factors such as parent concerns, learning style, need for specialized materials and adaptations, communication, fine and gross motor skills, sensory functioning, emotional and behavioral needs and motivation factors. The IEP Team, which includes the student's parents, develops goals and objectives to address the identified learning needs and recommends services for the student.
An Individualized Education Program (IEP) is developed for each eligible student. IEP Teams review student strengths and weaknesses and consider factors such as parent concerns, learning style, need for specialized materials and adaptations, communication, fine and gross motor skills, sensory functioning, emotional and behavioral needs and motivation factors. The IEP Team, which includes the student's parents, develops goals and objectives to address the identified learning needs and recommends services for the student.
Students may be served through a variety of delivery models based on the IEP Team's recommendations. The IEP Team considers many options when making a recommendation for services for a student. A student's IEP must be delivered as much as is appropriate in an environment that includes non-disabled students. Personnel in the program for students with disabilities work collaboratively with school staff and with parents to assure that students with disabilities are provided with appropriate learning experiences and opportunities.
Students may be served through a variety of delivery models based on the IEP Team's recommendations. The IEP Team considers many options when making a recommendation for services for a student. A student's IEP must be delivered as much as is appropriate in an environment that includes non-disabled students. Personnel in the program for students with disabilities work collaboratively with school staff and with parents to assure that students with disabilities are provided with appropriate learning experiences and opportunities.
Related services such as physical therapy, transportation, occupational therapy and orientation and mobility are available in every school for students whose IEPs recommend these services.
Related services such as physical therapy, transportation, occupational therapy and orientation and mobility are available in every school for students whose IEPs recommend these services.
Special education students benefit from an array of instructional opportunities. Regular curriculum is followed when possible and modifications to curriculum are made to meet individual needs. Alternative curricula are designed to meet the needs of students who require different options.
Special education students benefit from an array of instructional opportunities. Regular curriculum is followed when possible and modifications to curriculum are made to meet individual needs. Alternative curricula are designed to meet the needs of students who require different options.
Additional Information can be found at the link below.
Additional Information can be found at the link below.
Georgia Department of Education Special Education Services and Supports
Georgia Department of Education Special Education Services and Supports
Candler County Schools Special Education Contact Information
Candler County Schools Special Education Contact Information
Specific questions and concerns regarding Special Education Services may be directed to the Candler County Schools Special Education Department:
Specific questions and concerns regarding Special Education Services may be directed to the Candler County Schools Special Education Department:
Special Education Director Special Education Administrative Assistant
Special Education Director Special Education Administrative Assistant
Robbie Dollar, Ed. D. Marsha Pate
Robbie Dollar, Ed. D. Marsha Pate
912-685-5713 (Ext. 0590) 912-685-5713 (Ext. 0574)
912-685-5713 (Ext. 0590) 912-685-5713 (Ext. 0574)
School Psychologist Special Education Parent Mentor
School Psychologist Special Education Parent Mentor
Roslyn Pittman Christina Holland
Roslyn Pittman Christina Holland
912-685-5713 (Ext. 0566) 912-685-5713 (0562)
912-685-5713 (Ext. 0566) 912-685-5713 (0562)
Address: 210 South College Street, Metter Ga. 30439 Phone: (912) 685-5713 Fax: (912) 685-4811
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
IDEA is our nation's special education law. IDEA stands for Individual with Disabilities Education Act. The IDEA was originally enacted by Congress in 1975 to make sure that children with disabilities had the opportunity to receive a free appropriate public education(FAPE), just like other children. The law has been revised many times over the years. The most recent amendments were passed by Congress in December 2004, with final regulations published in August 2006.
IDEA is our nation's special education law. IDEA stands for Individual with Disabilities Education Act. The IDEA was originally enacted by Congress in 1975 to make sure that children with disabilities had the opportunity to receive a free appropriate public education(FAPE), just like other children. The law has been revised many times over the years. The most recent amendments were passed by Congress in December 2004, with final regulations published in August 2006.
IDEA guides how states and school districts provide special education and related services to several million eligible children with disabilities. Click here to learn more about this federal law.
IDEA guides how states and school districts provide special education and related services to several million eligible children with disabilities. Click here to learn more about this federal law.
Psychological Services
Psychological Services
Schools today serve increasingly diverse and dynamic student populations. Every child brings unique strengths and challenges to the learning process. School psychologists are a vital part of the effort to unlock each child's potential for success.
Schools today serve increasingly diverse and dynamic student populations. Every child brings unique strengths and challenges to the learning process. School psychologists are a vital part of the effort to unlock each child's potential for success.
Please Contact:
Please Contact:
Ms. Roslyn Pittman, School Psychologist, Ed.S.
Ms. Roslyn Pittman, School Psychologist, Ed.S.
912-685-5713 (Ext. 0566)
912-685-5713 (Ext. 0566)
You can find great resources for parents and educators at the website of the National Association of School Psychologists!
You can find great resources for parents and educators at the website of the National Association of School Psychologists!
Child Find Procedures (aligned with State Rule 160-4-7-.03)
Child Find Procedures (aligned with State Rule 160-4-7-.03)
Child Find is a process that Candler County Schools uses to identify, locate, and evaluate all children in the district, birth through 21, who are suspected of having disabilities, including those who are homeless, are wards of the State or are attending private schools, regardless of the severity of their disability, and who are in need for special education and related services. Georgia State Rule 160-4-7-.03 requires that districts have policies and procedures in place to ensure the identification, location, and evaluation of these children. These policies and procedures are addressed in the following sections.
Child Find is a process that Candler County Schools uses to identify, locate, and evaluate all children in the district, birth through 21, who are suspected of having disabilities, including those who are homeless, are wards of the State or are attending private schools, regardless of the severity of their disability, and who are in need for special education and related services. Georgia State Rule 160-4-7-.03 requires that districts have policies and procedures in place to ensure the identification, location, and evaluation of these children. These policies and procedures are addressed in the following sections.
Special Education Director ensures public notification of child find activities in the following locations at the beginning of each school year.
Special Education Director ensures public notification of child find activities in the following locations at the beginning of each school year.
Candler County Schools Student Handbook – updated yearly
Candler County Schools Student Handbook – updated yearly
Child-Find Brochures in local daycare facilities, physician offices, and the Candler County Health Department
Child-Find Brochures in local daycare facilities, physician offices, and the Candler County Health Department
Local Law Enforcement Facilities (Metter Police Department and Candler County Sheriff Department
Local Law Enforcement Facilities (Metter Police Department and Candler County Sheriff Department
Local Newspaper-Metter Advertiser
Local Newspaper-Metter Advertiser
Screening and Evaluation of All Children with Suspected Disability Ages 3-21
Screening and Evaluation of All Children with Suspected Disability Ages 3-21
The following policies and procedures are followed to ensure the identification, screening and evaluation of all children with suspected disabilities birth through age 21 includes:
The following policies and procedures are followed to ensure the identification, screening and evaluation of all children with suspected disabilities birth through age 21 includes:
Children birth through age three:
Children birth through age three:
When a child who is birth through age three suspected of having disabilities is identified through any child find activities (e.g. parent-teacher conference, community referral, parent mentor activities, migrant program), the Special Education Director should be notified so that an appropriate referral may be made to Babies Can’t Wait for screening and evaluation. Additionally, Candler County Special Education Preschool Intervention Teacher/s will participate in Babies Can’t Wait Transition meetings to ensure a special education evaluation, eligibility, and IEP are in place by the child’s third birthday.
When a child who is birth through age three suspected of having disabilities is identified through any child find activities (e.g. parent-teacher conference, community referral, parent mentor activities, migrant program), the Special Education Director should be notified so that an appropriate referral may be made to Babies Can’t Wait for screening and evaluation. Additionally, Candler County Special Education Preschool Intervention Teacher/s will participate in Babies Can’t Wait Transition meetings to ensure a special education evaluation, eligibility, and IEP are in place by the child’s third birthday.
Preschool children, ages 3-5:
Preschool children, ages 3-5:
The following activities shall be conducted to identify preschool children ages 3-5 suspected as having disabilities:
The following activities shall be conducted to identify preschool children ages 3-5 suspected as having disabilities:
Candler County School Pre-Kindergarten Program (Bright from the Start) will participate in Response to Intervention as part of Candler County Schools. The Pre-k Director should be contacted for all Pre-K related information.
Candler County School Pre-Kindergarten Program (Bright from the Start) will participate in Response to Intervention as part of Candler County Schools. The Pre-k Director should be contacted for all Pre-K related information.
Candler County Schools Speech/Language Pathologists conduct Universal Screenings at Candler County School System PreK Programs and Head Start.
Candler County Schools Speech/Language Pathologists conduct Universal Screenings at Candler County School System PreK Programs and Head Start.
Written notices are provided in the community to include: private preschools (e.g. Metter United Methodist Preschool), the Candler County Health Department, and physician offices. Referral forms can be obtained by contacting the Candler County Special Education Office.
Written notices are provided in the community to include: private preschools (e.g. Metter United Methodist Preschool), the Candler County Health Department, and physician offices. Referral forms can be obtained by contacting the Candler County Special Education Office.
Children enrolled in Candler County Schools:
Children enrolled in Candler County Schools:
Children currently enrolled in Candler County Schools will be identified through Response to Intervention and parent referral. Please refer to the RtI Manual for additional information.
Children currently enrolled in Candler County Schools will be identified through Response to Intervention and parent referral. Please refer to the RtI Manual for additional information.
Highly mobile children, including migrant children:
Highly mobile children, including migrant children:
Candler County Schools Migrant Program and the Migrant Student Service Providers will refer any child who is suspected of having a disability to the Special Education Director, School Psychologist or Speech-Language Pathologist.
Candler County Schools Migrant Program and the Migrant Student Service Providers will refer any child who is suspected of having a disability to the Special Education Director, School Psychologist or Speech-Language Pathologist.
Children who are detained or incarcerated in jails or correctional facilities: Child-Find notice will be given to the facility with appropriate contact information so that any child suspected of having a disability can be referred to the Special Education Director, School Psychologist, or Speech-Language Pathologist.
Children who are detained or incarcerated in jails or correctional facilities: Child-Find notice will be given to the facility with appropriate contact information so that any child suspected of having a disability can be referred to the Special Education Director, School Psychologist, or Speech-Language Pathologist.
Parent-placed private school children, including religious, elementary and secondary schools, or home school/study programs:
Parent-placed private school children, including religious, elementary and secondary schools, or home school/study programs:
Candler County has one school: Metter Mennonite School.
Candler County has one school: Metter Mennonite School.
Annually, Candler County School District Special Education Director notifies eligible students, by way of certified letter, that attend the Metter Mennonite School of Special Education Services that are available. Additionally, an annual meeting to discuss Special Education Services for Homeschool and Private School eligible students is hosted by the Special Education Department of the Candler County School District after the meeting notice is placed in the local newspaper (Metter Advertiser).
Annually, Candler County School District Special Education Director notifies eligible students, by way of certified letter, that attend the Metter Mennonite School of Special Education Services that are available. Additionally, an annual meeting to discuss Special Education Services for Homeschool and Private School eligible students is hosted by the Special Education Department of the Candler County School District after the meeting notice is placed in the local newspaper (Metter Advertiser).
Screening and evaluations are provided for any child parentally-placed in a private school or receiving home school who is suspected as having a disability.
Screening and evaluations are provided for any child parentally-placed in a private school or receiving home school who is suspected as having a disability.
Screening
Screening
The screening of children by a teacher or specialist to determine appropriate educational strategies for curriculum implementation shall not be considered to be an evaluation for eligibility for special education and related services.
The screening of children by a teacher or specialist to determine appropriate educational strategies for curriculum implementation shall not be considered to be an evaluation for eligibility for special education and related services.
Any questions relating to Special Needs Services can be directed to Dr. John Jordan, Special Education Director at 912-685-5713 ext (0590) or email rdollar@metter.org.
Any questions relating to Special Needs Services can be directed to Dr. John Jordan, Special Education Director at 912-685-5713 ext (0590) or email rdollar@metter.org.
Child Find Notice
Child Find Notice
In accordance with IDEA regulations, the Candler County School District seeks to ensure that all disabled students (ages birth-21) who are in need of special education within its jurisdiction are identified, located, and evaluated, including those attending private school and home school. Final identification of students with disabilities and programming for such students occurs only after an appropriate evaluation and a determination by a Multidisciplinary Placement Team.
In accordance with IDEA regulations, the Candler County School District seeks to ensure that all disabled students (ages birth-21) who are in need of special education within its jurisdiction are identified, located, and evaluated, including those attending private school and home school. Final identification of students with disabilities and programming for such students occurs only after an appropriate evaluation and a determination by a Multidisciplinary Placement Team.
If the "child find" process indicates that a student may require special education and supportive services in order to benefit from regular education, the student shall be referred to the Multidisciplinary Placement Team to determine the student's eligibility for special education services.
If the "child find" process indicates that a student may require special education and supportive services in order to benefit from regular education, the student shall be referred to the Multidisciplinary Placement Team to determine the student's eligibility for special education services.
If you know a child with a disability who is not being served, please notify:
If you know a child with a disability who is not being served, please notify:
Robbie Dollar, Ed. D.
Robbie Dollar, Ed. D.
Candler County School District
Candler County School District
Special Education
Special Education
Fax: (912) 685-3755
Fax: (912) 685-3755
Federal law prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color or national origin (Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964); sex (Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 and the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Act of 2006): or disability (Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990) in educational programs or activities receiving federal financial assistance. Students, parents, employees and the general public are hereby notified that the Newton County Board of Education does not discriminate in any educational programs or activities or in employment policies.
Federal law prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color or national origin (Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964); sex (Title IX of the Educational Amendments of 1972 and the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Act of 2006): or disability (Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990) in educational programs or activities receiving federal financial assistance. Students, parents, employees and the general public are hereby notified that the Newton County Board of Education does not discriminate in any educational programs or activities or in employment policies.
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