Eligibility Services coordinates the implementation of special education processes in all schools related to child find, referral, evaluation, eligibility, and reevaluation to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations and local procedures.
As a resource, parents may access the Parent’s Guide to Special Education developed by the Virginia Department of Education (“VDOE”). This guide helps parents understand their rights and responsibilities, their child’s rights, and the school’s responsibilities to meet the special needs of their child and includes a description of the special education process and what is required during each step of the process. The VDOE released a Video Guide to the Special Education Evaluation Process for Families as additional guidance to support accurate and consistent eligibility determinations and access to special education services across school divisions. These video modules will provide parents, families, and other stakeholders with a brief but comprehensive overview of the special education process on the following topics:
- Introduction (Overview of Series),
- Identification,
- Evaluation,
- Eligibility,
- Individualized Education Program (IEP),
- Reevaluation,
- Early Intervention, and
- What’s Next.
School-aged children suspected of having an educational disability can be evaluated by Arlington Public schools at no expense to the family. If you suspect your child may have a disability, you can refer him/her to a Student Study Committee by contacting the Office of Special Education at 703-228-6040.