The Arapahoe Charter School’s Exceptional Children’s Program embraces an inclusive philosophy, meaning that every effort is made to include students with disabilities in the regular education setting. Operating under this philosophy, we strive to provide a continuum of services to meet the individual needs of students so that they can achieve academic success aligned with the state standards. Our department offers programs based on each student’s individual abilities and needs. A quality education is the fundamental right of every child at Arapahoe Charter School. The EC Program provides many services, and it is our responsibility to ensure equal, safe, and quality learning opportunities for all students, Kindergarten through 12th grade. Therefore, our mission is to help children learn and teachers teach!
We value collaboration and employ a multidisciplinary approach when interacting with students, staff, and families. To accomplish this, the department insures that the least restrictive requirement is addressed at each students’ Individual Education Program (IEP) meeting. We also provide opportunities for students to participate with their nondisabled peers for all content and elective areas as deemed appropriate by the IEP team. Program options are created that address the individual needs of students with a focus on preparing students to become independent and productive citizens. Opportunities for staff and administration are provided to collaborate on best practices, the use of authentic assessment, quality instruction, and the use of differentiated instructional strategies.
All of our EC teachers are highly qualified or certified.
ACS follows all Policies Governing Services for Children with Disabilities set by the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) and Article 9 of North Carolina state law require that the Department of Public Instruction monitor local education agencies (LEAs) on a regular basis to ensure compliance with state and federal laws, rules, and regulations that govern the provision of special education and related services to children with disabilities. The purpose of this monitoring is to focus federal, state, and local resources on improved results for children with disabilities and their families.
The Exceptional Children Division is responsible for conducting all monitoring activities through the Continuous Improvement and Focused Monitoring System. As a component of the CIFMS, each LEA must submit a Continuous Improvement Performance Plan (CIPP). The CIPP aligns with the federal requirements of the State Performance Plan and the Annual Performance Report. You can review this, and other EC data at: ec.ncpublicschools.gov
Here is a link to the State of North Carolina’s Exceptional Children’s website . And here is direct link to the EC Parent Handbook. It outlines a Parent’s Rights and Responsibilities in Special Education.