- Wake County Public School System
- Special Education Services
Special Education Process
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The Wake County Public School System provides Special Education and related services as required by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and North Carolina Public School Law, Article 9.
Steps in the Special Education process
Initial referral meeting
When school staff or a parent believes a student may have a disability, they can request an initial referral meeting.
Eligibility meeting
The team reviews information to decide if the student qualifies for special education services.
IEP meeting
If eligible, the team develops an Individualized Education Program (IEP) to support the student.
Re-evaluation
The team reviews progress regularly to determine continued eligibility.
Eligibility areas
Students may qualify under one or more of 14 areas:
- Autism
- Deaf-Blindness
- Deafness
- Developmental Delay
- Emotional Disability
- Hearing Impairment
- Intellectual Disability
- Multiple Disabilities
- Orthopedic Impairment
- Other Health Impairment
- Specific Learning Disability
- Speech or Language Impairment
- Traumatic Brain Injury
- Visual Impairment
View detailed eligibility information
Students in private or home schools
WCPSS identifies and evaluates students with disabilities enrolled in private or home schools.
If you suspect your child may need support:
- Contact your WCPSS base school to request an evaluation in writing. Find your base school.
- It helps to complete the Supplemental Screening Information form.
Questions?
Contact the Office of Family and Community Connections in Special Education Services:
- Office: (919) 431-7334
- Spanish Line: (919) 431-7143
- Email: facc@wcpss.net
- Fax: (919) 694-7763