Kent County Public Schools provides varied educational opportunities for all students. Special Education programs and services are in place to provide specifically designed instruction for students who are identified under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Code of Maryland Regulations (COMAR) 13A.05.01.3B as having a disability that impacts their ability to make progress in the general education curriculum without support and services.
Kent County Public Schools shall:
- Provide ongoing "child find" services, in compliance with federal and state regulations, designed to identify students from birth to age 21 who have a disability and are in need of special education and related services.
- Provide a Free and Appropriate Education (FAPE) in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) for all students with disabilities who are identified under IDEA, in compliance with federal and state regulations.
- Ensure the development and implementation of an Individualized Education Program (IEP), based upon assessed needs, for each student who is identified as having a disability and who is need of special education and related services. The IEP shall be reasonably designed to ensure some progress in the educational program.
- Ensure that all due process procedures are in place and that the confidentiality of information is in compliance with federal and state regulations.
- Ensure that there are procedures in place for students who are parentally placed in non-public schools, as required by federal and state regulations.
- Ensure that interagency requirements are in compliance with federal and state regulations.
- Ensure that procedures dealing with data collection and accountability and evaluation of special education programs and services are in compliance with federal and state regulations.
- Provide ongoing staff development to enhance the instructional skills of special and general educators, as required by federal and state regulations.