Special education

The Individuals with Disability Education Act (IDEA) guarantees a free appropriate public education (FAPE) to all eligible children with disabilities. This page is designed to help our team understand how we teach and reach all of our children with disabilities; and, provide information to parents, teachers, students, and community members in an effort to better serve the needs of students with disabilities, their families, and professionals who support them in Essex County. 

Management of Special Education services in Essex County Public Schools is conducted by Ms. Denise Griffin, Director of Special Education. 

Our site will continue to be updated throughout the course of the year.

what does special education look like in ecps?

overview

The Special Education Department for Essex County Public Schools supports instructional programs for students with disabilities in the division. It is the goal of the Special Education Department to ensure that each student with a disability has the opportunity to acquire the knowledge, skills, and competencies consistent with his/her potential to achieve.

Special Education Department Contact: Ms. Denise Griffin, Director of Special Education (804) 443-3959

focus areas

vision

In Essex County Public Schools, we believe that/in:

Continuum of services

Least Restrictive to Most Restrictive 

annual special education plan

Under provisions of the 2004 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act4 (IDEA 2004), its implementing regulations, and the Regulations Governing Special Education Programs for Children with Disabilities in Virginia (effective January 25, 2010), local educational agencies (LEAs) are required to submit an Annual Plan/Part B Flow-Through Application for providing special education and related services to children with disabilities. The 2023-2024 Special Education Annual Plan/Part B Flow-Through Application serves as the formal agreement between a local school board and the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) for implementing federal and state laws and regulations governing these services. Accordingly, the disbursement of state and federal funds appropriated for the education of children with disabilities is contingent upon the approval of this plan and each of its components. 

Essex County Public Schools Annual Special Education Plan

SPECIAL EDUCATION PROCESSES

Reference the link below to understand the processes associated with Special Education services in Essex County Public Schools. 

Essex County Public Schools Special Education Processes

We would love to hear from you as to any suggestions you might have to enhance the Special Education website or to learn of support requests you may have. Select the ECPS Logo below to provide your feedback. A response will be provided within 72 hours of your submission