Exceptional Children
Leadership
Senior Director: Dr. Carol Ann M. Hudgens
Assistant Directors: Nicole R. Sinclair and Ginger M. Cash
Office of Exceptional Children Mission
The mission of the Office of Exceptional Children is to ensure that students with disabilities develop intellectually, physically, emotionally, and vocationally through the provision of an appropriate individualized education program in the least restrictive environment.
Announcements:
NC IDEA Part B Application FFY25
Interested citizens may submit comments via e-mail to IDEA Grant or mail to: NCDPI, Office of Exceptional Children, ATTN: Nicole Sinclair/ 6356 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-6356.
Summer Institutes 2025
We are excited to announce that registration is now open for the 2025 Office of Exceptional Children Regional Summer Institutes! This year, the OEC is offering regional institutes throughout the state. These institutes will center around four main topics: The Diverse Learner, Policy and Procedures, Classroom Management, and Specially Designed Instruction. To learn more please visit our Technical Assistance and Professional Development Page Summer Institutes 2025 Section . Registration ends on May 23, 2025.
General Supervision:
The Office of Exceptional Children is pleased announce the creation of a new General Supervision Document for Exceptional Children, a comprehensive resource outlining our system for ensuring compliance, accountability, and improved outcomes for students with disabilities. This document provides clear guidance on monitoring, technical assistance, and supports available to Public School Units—helping drive continuous improvement in special education services. For more information and to view the document visit our Data and State Performance Plans Page.
Office of Exceptional Children Resources
Welcome to the Office of Exceptional Children Website. This comprehensive resource is designed to provide essential information and support for educators, families, students, and administrators involved in special education. Below, you'll find quick access to key areas of our site. Each section contains valuable resources, guidelines, and tools to ensure quality education and services for students with disabilities. Whether you're looking for policy information, searching for classroom resources, or seeking resources for families and students, you'll find links to the relevant pages here. Simply click on a section to expand it and learn more about what can be found within that page and explore the available links.
Find direct access to our team and organizational structure here. This page offers a comprehensive phone list for all staff in the Office of Exceptional Children, ensuring you can reach the right person quickly. We also provide a link to our agency-wide directory for broader contacts. Additionally, you'll find a breakdown of our office's organizational units, known as sections, to help you understand how we're structured to serve you better. Whether you need to reach a specific staff member or want to understand which section handles particular aspects of special education services, this page is your go-to resource.
Access critical data and performance metrics for special education in North Carolina. This page houses our State Performance Plans and Annual Performance Reports, providing insights into our progress and goals. On this page you will also find detailed descriptions of the Part B SPP Indicators, which measure key aspects of special education services. The page also covers Significant Disproportionality data, helping track equity in special education identification and services. Additionally, you can access our annual Child Count reports and other important statistical information. These resources offer a comprehensive view of special education performance and demographics in our state, supporting data-driven decision-making and transparency.
On our Policies and Procedures page you will find crucial information on both State and Federal policies that govern special education services. Learn about Project Child Find, our initiative to identify and support children with disabilities. Explore guidelines for Special Education Surrogate Parents and understand how we serve students in Non-Public schools and Psychiatric Residential Treatment Facilities. This page also provides access to State Forms for use when our digital IEP management system is unavailable. Whether you are an educator, administrator, or parent, this resource ensures you have the latest policy information and necessary forms at your fingertips.
Enhance your skills and knowledge with our comprehensive Technical Assistance and Professional Development resources. This page is your gateway to a wealth of learning opportunities in special education. Discover our diverse Professional Learning offerings and learn how to request tailored training. Find information about our flagship EC Annual Conference and the EC Administrators Spring Institute. Explore our summer institutes and our webinar series on educational equity and significant disproportionality. Stay informed about federal reporting through our office hours sessions. Learn about our initiatives in Recruitment and Retention of special education professionals. Finally, get details on our NC SIP (State Improvement Project) program. Whether you are an educator, administrator, or support staff, this page connects you with the tools and knowledge to excel in serving students with exceptional needs.
Explore our comprehensive range of special education programs and services. This page covers Early Childhood and Preschool initiatives, our specialized Early Learning and Sensory Support Program, and information on Adapted PE. Find details about Related Services and Transition Services to support students throughout their educational journey. Whether you are looking for early intervention or preparing students for post-secondary life, this page outlines the support available at every stage.
Learn about resources designed specifically for families and students to help them navigate the special education process, including the Parent and Family Newsletter, the Council on Educational Services for Exceptional Children, Parent Rights and Responsibilities in Special Education, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), and state and national resources.
Enhance your professional toolkit with our educator-focused resources. Find information on Tuition Reimbursement opportunities to support your professional growth. Learn about Accessible Educational Materials to ensure inclusive classrooms. Access our comprehensive Disability-Specific Resources to support diverse learner needs effectively and get acquainted with the Every Child Accountability and Tracking System (ECATS) for efficient IEP development.
Navigate the financial aspects of special education programs with our Fiscal Management Resources. This page provides crucial information on Finance and Grants, including details on the IDEA Part B Grant and Special Grants. Explore information on Medicaid in Education to understand this important funding source for eligible services.
Integrated Monitoring is a comprehensive approach that combines Fiscal Monitoring and Program Monitoring to ensure that Exceptional Children (EC) services are both compliant with regulations and effectively supporting student outcomes. This approach provides a holistic review of how federal and state funds are used (Fiscal Monitoring) while also assessing the quality and implementation of special education programs (Program Monitoring).
Access information about resolving special education disagreements effectively. This page outlines various dispute resolution options including due process hearings, facilitation, and mediation. Learn about the formal state complaints process and how to navigate these procedures. Whether you're a parent or educator, this resource provides guidance on addressing concerns and ensuring appropriate educational services.