Special Education Process

  • 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:

    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