Special Education

Ms. Taunia Harter, EC Teacher

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The Buncombe County Public Schools provide special education and related services for children ages 3 through 21 who have been determined eligible for special education services by the Individualized Education Program (IEP) team. Referral, evaluation, identification, and special education services are provided as required by the Individuals with Disabilities Act (IDEA) and the North Carolina Procedures Governing Programs and Services for Children with Disabilities.

Each school in the Buncombe County Public Schools provides special education and related services. These services are provided for students in the least restrictive environment as determined by the IEP team. School-based special education teachers and therapists provide the required services for the majority of our students. Students who require more extensive service are served through Intensive Intervention programs or through the Progressive Education Program.

Students are identified in a variety of disability categories and served through a variety of methods as required by IDEA. Emphasis has been placed on serving students with a disability within the regular classroom; however, the school system maintains a continuum of services to meet the individual needs of students.

Students with a disability participate in all aspects of public education in Buncombe County. Most of our students follow the Standard Course of Study and graduate from high school with a diploma.