Union County Public Schools

Special Education

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a federal law that ensures the provision of appropriate services for children with disabilities nationwide. IDEA governs how states and public agencies provide early intervention, special education, and related services to eligible infants, toddlers, children, and youth with disabilities. Infants and toddlers with disabilities (ages birth through age two) and their families receive early intervention services under IDEA, Part C. Children and youth (ages 3–21) receive special education and related services under IDEA, Part B.

Special Education in Union County is a support team that provides services to students in various settings.  It is important to keep in mind, however, that receiving special education services does not mean that students with disabilities will spend their day entirely in separate special education classrooms.  These settings could include support in the general education classroom, pull-out intervention services, related services, or, in extreme cases, placement in the most restrictive environment of a comprehensive classroom, homebound, or special schools.   

To achieve high-quality outcomes, Union County will create high-quality IEPs that will serve as a roadmap for all stakeholders informed by a variety of data sources.  The IEP will define where students currently are, outline how they should improve over the next year, and explain how general education teachers, special education teachers, and related service providers will help students achieve this.  In conclusion, it is Union County’s vision that all students with disabilities will have high-quality IEPs developed in collaboration with multiple stakeholders to promote student achievement and be successful in post-secondary life.

The ultimate goal of special education services is to close gaps and promote independence.