Parent Resources The research is clear on parent involvement: when parents are involved in their children’s education, students have higher grades/test scores/graduation rates, better school attendance, increased motivation, better self-esteem, lower rates of suspension, decreased use of drugs/alcohol, and fewer instances of violent behavior. The Exceptional Children Division works diligently to collaborate with parents, provide information to parents, provide information on parent involvement to LEAs, and support parent involvement in their children’s education. The information within the parent resources pages are available to assist you in supporting your child. Archived Parent Newsletters Directions to Signup for the EC Parent Newsletter Comó registrarse en el EC Listserv para padres Informational Documents for Families These documents are intended to help families understand various aspects of Special Education in North Carolina. If you have questions, please reach out to the EC Director in your district or contact the Parent Liaison with the EC Division. List of EC Directors. Referral Meeting - Reunión de Inicial Eligibility Meeting - Reunión de Elegibilidad IEP Meeting - Reunión del IEP Reevaluation Meeting - Reunión de Reevaluación Parent Rights & Responsibilities in Special Education: NC Notice of Procedural Safeguards Parent Rights Parent Rights (Spanish) It is important that you understand the Procedural Safeguards (legal rights) provided for you and your child with a disability. In this document, you will find a new section in more user-friendly language that summarizes the rights and responsibilities of parents in the special education process. Acronyms and terms often used in special education and resources for parents are found in the appendices. ECAC Exceptional Children's Assistance Center (ECAC) ECAC is a private, nonprofit parent organization committed to improving the lives and education of ALL children, through a special emphasis on children with disabilities and special healthcare needs. ECAC serves as North Carolina’s Parent Training & Information Center or PTI, which is a federally funded program through the US Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP). ECAC's parent educators help NC families navigate systems such as early intervention, special education and the transition to adulthood and provide families with information and resources to help them make informed decisions, to communicate effectively and to become their child’s best advocate in school, the community and in life. All services to families are provided at no cost. Dispute Resolution Dispute Resolution Dispute Resolution Any person who has a concern about the education of a student with a disability can raise the issue in one of several ways. For example, it is always appropriate to discuss the matter with the student's teacher or principal at the local school, or it is also helpful to contact the Director of Exceptional Children Program in the central office of the school system, charter school, or state operated program. The Exceptional Children Division's consultants for dispute resolution and consultants for instructional support and related services are also able to offer consultation to assist parents, advocates, or school system, charter school, or state operated programs personnel who request help with problem-solving. Consultants at the Department of Public Instruction are neutral and refrain from taking sides when there is a disagreement, but consistently advocate for appropriate services for children with disabilities. They are committed to the protection of rights for children with disabilities and their parents. An informal means of problem solving is provided through the Exceptional Children Division's Facilitated IEP Program for school systems, charter schools, state operated programs, and parents. Formal means for dispute resolution are also available through the Department of Public Instruction, Exceptional Children Division. These options are requirements of federal and state laws governing special education - Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA), and Policies Governing Services for Children with Disabilities. When there is an unresolved disagreement over identification, evaluation or educational placement of a child with a disability or the provision of free appropriate public education, the options for dispute resolution are mediation, formal written complaint, and due process hearing. A formal complaint filed on the same issue(s) as contained in a petition for a due process hearing will not be investigated. These options are also available to the adult student who has reached the age of majority (18), unless legally deemed incompetent or unable to make educational decisions. Dispute Resolution Consultants The consultants for dispute resolution work with parents, traditional local educational agencies, charter schools, state operated programs and other individuals to resolve disputes. They provide information about facilitated IEP meetings, mediation, formal written complaints and due process hearings. They also investigate formal written complaints. Dispute Resolution Brochure AREA CONSULTANT PHONE Facilitation Mediation Due Process State Complaints - Corrective Action Teresa King 984.236.2573 State Complaint Investigator Leigh Mobley 984.236.2571 State Complaint Investigator Deborah Throm 984.236.2572 State Complaint Investigator Polly Lilly 984.236.2567 State Complaint Investigator Cathy Boshamer 984.236.2646 Due Process Resolution Results Form - last revised June 3, 2021 (Spanish form link here) Due Process Hearings Due Process Hearings Due Process Petition for Hearing Form Instruction for Form H-06E "Petition for a Contested Case" and "Certificate of Service" Form H-06E H06-E-a Manifestation Special Ed B Due Process Resolution Meeting Form Due Process Resolution Results - last revised June 3, 2021 (Spanish form link here) 2022 2022 EDC 00083 Wake 2021 2021 EDC 03727 Wake 2021 EDC 03727 Wake Appeal Decision 2021 EDC 2035 Corvian Community Charter 2020 2020 EDC 03534 Union 2020 EDC 03374 Wake 2020 EDC 03373 Union 2020 EDC 03332 Franklin 2020 EDC 03332 Franklin Appeal Decision 2020 EDC 02645 2020 EDC 03551 Wake Final Decision 2020 EDC 02346 Guilford 2020 EDC 00832 Wake 2020 EDC 00832 Wake Appeal Decision 2019 2019 EDC 06873 Charlotte-Mecklenburg 2019 EDC 06677 Charlotte-Mecklenburg 2019 EDC 06677 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Appeal 2019 EDC 03501 Dare 2019 EDC 02149 Chapel Hill-Carrboro 2019 EDC 02149 Chapel Hill-Carrboro Appeal 2019 EDC 02111 Wake 2018 2018 EDC 07450 Wake 2018 EDC 07450 Wake Appeal Decision 2018 EDC 06837 Winston Salem-Forsyth 2018 EDC 05536 Cornerstone Charter Academy 2018 EDC 05536 Cornerstone Charter Academy Appeal Decision 2018 EDC 05306 Charlotte-Mecklenburg 2018 EDC 05306 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Appeal Decision 2018 EDC 05304 Charlotte-Mecklenburg 2018 EDC 05304 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Appeal Decision 2018 EDC 04980 Durham-NCSBOE 2018 EDC 04980 Durham-NCSBOE Appeal Decision 2018 EDC 03723 Craven 2018 EDC 03561 Wake 2018 EDC 03019 Charlotte-Mecklenburg 2018 EDC 03019 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Appeal Decision 2018 EDC 02477 & 2018 EDC 02639 Lee 2018 EDC 00359 Charlotte-Mecklenburg 2018 EDC 00359 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Appeal Decision 2017 2017 EDC 08781 Wake 2017 EDC 08781 Wake Appeal Decision 2017 EDC 06571 Charlotte-Mecklenburg 2017 EDC 03684 Lee 2017 EDC 03684 Lee Appeal Decision 2016 2016 EDC 05089 Wilson 2016 EDC 03852 Wake 2016 EDC 03825 Wake 2016 EDC 01552 Craven 2016 EDC 00625 2016 EDC 04763 Wake 2015 2015 EDC 08808 Wake 2015 EDC 08808 Wake Appeal Decision 2015 EDC 05966 Durham 2015 EDC 05964 New Hanover 2015 EDC 00360 CMS 2015 EDC 00360 CMS Appeal Decision Facilitation Facilitation If requesting a facilitated IEP Team meeting, please email requests to Facilitation@dpi.nc.gov. Staff will monitor this email address during the Governor's State of Emergency. General Information Roles and Responsibilities Qué es la Facilitación del Programa de Educación Individualizada (IEP) For Parents If requesting FIEP, please submit the following signed documents: (1) a FIEP request form; (2) a FERPA form for Parent; and (3) FIEP Agreement Form (Parent) for the approval process. If only agreeing to FIEP, sign and return (1) FERPA form and (2) FIEP Agreement Form. FIEP Request Form revised September 9, 2021 (Spanish form link here) Parent FIEP (FERPA) (Spanish form link here) FIEP Agreement for Parent (Spanish form link here) For LEAs If requesting FIEP, please submit the following signed documents: (1) a FIEP request form; (2) a FERPA form for LEA; and (3) FIEP Agreement Form (LEA) for the approval process. If only agreeing to FIEP, sign and return the (1) FERPA form and (2) FIEP Agreement Form. FIEP Request Form revised September 9, 2021 (Spanish form link here) FIEP Agreement for LEA (Spanish form link here) LEA (FERPA) (Spanish form link here) Facilitation Feedback Form revised July 1, 2013 Results and Reflection from the Facilitated IEP Meeting revised July 1, 2015 (Spanish form link here) Mediation Mediation Requests for mediation should be emailed to mediation@dpi.nc.gov. Mediation Questions & Answers - revised July 2007 Mediation Request Form - revised November 4,2020 (Spanish form link here) Agreement to Mediate Form - revised July 1, 2015 (Spanish form link here) Mediation Feedback from Parties Form - revised July 1, 2015 (Spanish form link here) Mediation Results Form B - revised June 3, 2021 (Spanish form link here) Formal State Complaints Formal State Complaint Procedures last revised July 1, 2021 (Spanish version link here) Model Form for Filing a Complaint, revised July 1, 2021 English Spanish Complaint Withdrawal Form State Complaint Problem-Solving Agreement If filing a formal complaint, please email to state_ec_complaints@dpi.nc.gov. The Council on Educational Services for Exceptional Children State Advisory Council State Advisory Council Purpose The Council on Educational Services for Exceptional Children (Council) is established as an Advisory Council to the State Board of Education. Its establishment is set forth in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) federal regulations in §§ 300.167-300.169 and the North Carolina General Statutes in §115C-121. The Council advises the State Board of Education with respect to the unmet needs of children with special needs and in the development and implementation of policies related to the coordination of services for students with disabilities. The Council also advises the State Board of Education with respect to developing evaluations, reporting on data, and developing corrective action plans to address findings in federal monitoring reports. Duties Advise the State Board of Education with respect to unmet needs within the State in the education of children with disabilities; Comment publicly on rules and policies proposed by the State Board of Education regarding the education of children with disabilities; Advise the State Board of Education in developing evaluations and reporting on data to the Secretary of Education; Advise the State Board or Education in developing corrective action plans to address findings identified in Federal monitoring reports; Advise the State Board of Education in developing and implementing policies relating to the coordination of services for children with disabilities; Carry out any other responsibility as designated by federal law or the State Board of Education. Membership The Council shall consist of a minimum of 24 members. Currently, the Council consists of 25 members - 20 appointees and 5 ex-officio. Members are appointed by the Governor, President Pro Tem of the Senate, Speaker of the House, and the State Board of Education. Appointees represent individuals with disabilities from the ranks of parents, teachers, higher education, public and private schools, business/vocational community, and charter schools. A majority of representatives shall be persons with disabilities or parents of children with disabilities Terms of Service State Board of Education appointees serve 4 years All other appointees serve 2 years Council members serve without pay Council members receive travel allowances Council members serve not more than two consecutive four-year terms Bylaws Updated 2016 Information Council Members updated 07/01/2022 Public Comment The Council on Educational Services for Exceptional Children (CESEC) Vision Statement As a diverse representation of stakeholders, the CESEC informs and advises the State Board of Education (SBE) on policies and matters relating to improving the educational outcomes for students with disabilities in NC. Public Comment Procedure Public comments are an essential and necessary part of CESEC fulfilling its role to advise the State Board of Education with respect to the unmet needs of children with special needs in the state of North Carolina. Stakeholders are encouraged to submit written comments at any time or attend the CESEC’s quarterly meetings and register for public comment. Thirty minutes will be reserved on the CESEC agenda for public input at each meeting. Additional time may be added at the discretion of the Chairperson. General guidelines for public input: Public comment may be made verbally (in person) or in written form including email to CESEC. Priority will be given to in person comments. Written comments will be read by the Chairperson in the order they are received. All written comments will be documented. Public comment is limited to no more than five minutes per person in the first thirty minutes of the afternoon session. Sign-in must occur by 12:30 pm. Written comments should be sent to CESEC@dpi.nc.gov or Danyelle Sanders, EC Division, 6356 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-6356 by 4pm, 10 business days prior to the regularly scheduled CESEC meeting. See the Upcoming Meetings link below. Comments should be focused on relevant topics to the mission of CESEC. No solicitation is allowed. The public comment opportunity is not a forum for vendors to market goods or services. It is for individuals to share concerns and successes that could help shape future direction in the accomplishment of the Council’s mission which is stated below: The CESEC is established as an Advisory Council to the State Board of Education. Its establishment is set forth in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) federal regulations in §§ 300.167-300.169 and the North Carolina General Statutes in §115C-121. The mission of CESEC is to advise the State Board of Education with respect to the unmet needs of children with special needs and in development and implementation of policies related to the coordination of services for disabled students; advise the SBE with respect to development of evaluations and reporting on data, and developing corrective action plans to address findings in federal monitoring comments. All public comments will be taken under advisement by CESEC but will not receive verbal or written response. Public comments will be summarized in the minutes of the meeting. The Council will review public comments and decide on appropriate action, if any, according to the Council’s mission. Making Public Comment in Person: A sign-in sheet will be available at the registration table. All those wishing to speak must sign-in. The Chairperson will call on individuals based on the order of sign-in. When called upon please state your name, county of residence and subject matter. Comments should be factual, objective and related to the mission of CESEC. Maintain confidentiality and privacy standards: Do not mention the personal names of students or school staff. Members of CESEC shall not interrupt the speaker during the allotted five minutes of time. The Chairperson may interrupt the speaker if there is a concern that public comment procedure and/or privacy or other laws are being violated. Submitting Written Public Comment Any individual may submit a written comment via written letter or email to be signed in and read by the Chairperson and/or distributed at the quarterly CESEC meeting during the public comment period. Written comments may be up to 600 words. All written comments must be received by at CESEC@dpi.nc.gov or Danyelle Sanders, Exceptional Children Division, 6356 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-6356 by 4 pm, 10 business days prior to the quarterly CESEC meeting. Any comments submitted after that time will be read and/or distributed at a later date. Written comment must include the name, address, email address if available, and county of residence of the individual submitting the comment. Written comments should be factual, objective and related to the mission of the CESEC. Written comments must maintain confidentiality and privacy standards. If special assistance is needed to participate in the public comment period, every effort will be made to provide the appropriate accommodation. When requesting accommodations for public comment, please allow no less than 10 business days’ notice prior to the scheduled meeting. Contact the CESEC at CESEC@dpi.nc.gov or Danyelle Sanders, Exceptional Children Division, 6356 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-6356 or (984) 236-2574 Upcoming Meetings Upcoming Meetings Council meetings are held four times a year and are open to the public. Location: State Board of Education Room, 7th Floor Department of Public Instruction 301 North Wilmington Street Raleigh, NC Time: 9:30 am - 4:00 pm Upcoming meetings 2022 Meeting Link: https://ncgov.webex.com/ncgov/j.php?MTID=m581c59c01e6b286da4e575a4e80ea298 Meeting Number: 2420 569 9662 Password: Council (C must be capitalized) Join by Phone: 415-655-0003 US Toll 904-900-2303 US Toll (Jacksonville) Meeting Dates: March 9, 2022 - Agenda June 8, 2022 - Agenda September 14, 2022 December 14, 2022 Annual Reports Annual Reports 2020-2021 Annual Report 2019-2020 Annual Report 2018-2019 Annual Report Meeting Archive Meeting Archive 2021 March 10, 2021 Summary of Actions Meeting Transcript June 9, 2021 Summary of Actions Meeting Transcript September 8, 2021 Summary of Actions Meeting Transcript December 8, 2021 Summary of Actions Meeting Transcript 2020 March 11, 2020 Summary of Actions Meeting Transcription June 10, 2020 Summary of Actions Meeting Transcription September 9, 2020 Summary of Actions Meeting Transcription December 9, 2020 Summary of Actions Meeting Transcription 2019 March 13, 2019 Summary of Actions Meeting Transcription June 12, 2019 Summary of Actions Meeting Transcription September 11, 2019 Summary of Actions Meeting Transcription December 11, 2019 Meeting Transcription Special Education Parent Advisory Councils A local Special Education Parent Advisory Council is a district-level, parent-driven group that provides input to the local school district on system-level challenges in special education and related services. There are any names for this group throughout the state, but the purpose is the same; advise, advocate, and offer guidance to the district. Local Special Education Parent Advisory Councils are not required under IDEA or NC law; however, many districts have established councils. Local Education Agency Alamance-Burlington Exceptional Children Parent Advisory Council (ECPAC) Chapel Hill-Carrboro Special Needs Advisory Council Charlotte-Mecklenburg EC Parent Advisory Council (ECPAC) Cumberland County Parent Advisory Council (PAC) Durham Special Needs Advisory Council Gaston County Advisory Board for Children with Disabilities New Hanover County Advisory Council for Exceptional Children Union County Special Needs Advisory Council (SNAC) Wake Special Education Advisory Council Online National & Statewide Resources Accredited Online Colleges American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities American Foundation for the Blind American Speech Language Hearing Association Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Arc of NC, The Assistive Technology Program (NCDHHS) Association on Higher Education and Disability Autism Society of NC, The Autism Speaks Brain Injury Association of NC Center for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special Education (CADRE) Center for Parent Information & Resources College Navigator - US Department of Education Decoding Dyslexia NC Down Syndrome Alliance of NC EasterSeals UCP Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) Family Support Network of NC First in Families of North Carolina Great Schools IDEA-US Department of Education Intervention Central Learning Disabilities Association of NC Medicaid-NC Division of Medical Assistance (NCDHHS) Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) National Alliance on Mental Illness National Association of the Deaf National Center for Educational Outcomes National Center for Learning Disabilities National Down Syndrome Society National Organization on Disability NC Children with Special Needs Health Care Needs Help Line NC Council on Developmental Disabilities NC Families United NC Guardianship Association NC PTA Office of Civil Rights Positive Behavior Interventions & Supports (PBIS) Social Security Administration - Benefits for Disabled Children Special Olympics Trauma Resource Center for Military Families & Professionals Voices for Learning Wright's Law Eastern Region Family Support Network of Eastern NC, Inc. Special Education Alliance 4 Eastern NC Northeast-Eastern Region Family Support Network of Northeastern NC Southeast Region Family Support Network of Southeastern NC North Central Region Alliance of Disability Advocates Arc of the Triangle, The CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) of the Triangle Exchange Family Center (Durham) Family Support Network of the Greater Triangle Sandhills Region Arc Moore County, The Sandhills Center: Family support and Community Collaboration Sandhills Kids, LLC Piedmont-Triad Region Family Support Network of Central Carolina Family Support Network of Greater Forsyth Northwest Region Family Support Network of High Country Family Support Network HOPE Southwest Region Autism Charlotte CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) of Mecklenburg County Family Support Network of Southern Piedmont Family Support Network of Trusted Parents (Mecklenburg) ParentVOICE (Mental Health America of Central Carolinas) Western Region Family Support Network of Region A Family Support Network of Western NC FIRST Resource Center Western NC Down Syndrome Alliance
Parent Resources The research is clear on parent involvement: when parents are involved in their children’s education, students have higher grades/test scores/graduation rates, better school attendance, increased motivation, better self-esteem, lower rates of suspension, decreased use of drugs/alcohol, and fewer instances of violent behavior. The Exceptional Children Division works diligently to collaborate with parents, provide information to parents, provide information on parent involvement to LEAs, and support parent involvement in their children’s education. The information within the parent resources pages are available to assist you in supporting your child. Archived Parent Newsletters Directions to Signup for the EC Parent Newsletter Comó registrarse en el EC Listserv para padres Informational Documents for Families These documents are intended to help families understand various aspects of Special Education in North Carolina. If you have questions, please reach out to the EC Director in your district or contact the Parent Liaison with the EC Division. List of EC Directors. Referral Meeting - Reunión de Inicial Eligibility Meeting - Reunión de Elegibilidad IEP Meeting - Reunión del IEP Reevaluation Meeting - Reunión de Reevaluación Parent Rights & Responsibilities in Special Education: NC Notice of Procedural Safeguards Parent Rights Parent Rights (Spanish) It is important that you understand the Procedural Safeguards (legal rights) provided for you and your child with a disability. In this document, you will find a new section in more user-friendly language that summarizes the rights and responsibilities of parents in the special education process. Acronyms and terms often used in special education and resources for parents are found in the appendices. ECAC Exceptional Children's Assistance Center (ECAC) ECAC is a private, nonprofit parent organization committed to improving the lives and education of ALL children, through a special emphasis on children with disabilities and special healthcare needs. ECAC serves as North Carolina’s Parent Training & Information Center or PTI, which is a federally funded program through the US Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP). ECAC's parent educators help NC families navigate systems such as early intervention, special education and the transition to adulthood and provide families with information and resources to help them make informed decisions, to communicate effectively and to become their child’s best advocate in school, the community and in life. All services to families are provided at no cost. Dispute Resolution Dispute Resolution Dispute Resolution Any person who has a concern about the education of a student with a disability can raise the issue in one of several ways. For example, it is always appropriate to discuss the matter with the student's teacher or principal at the local school, or it is also helpful to contact the Director of Exceptional Children Program in the central office of the school system, charter school, or state operated program. The Exceptional Children Division's consultants for dispute resolution and consultants for instructional support and related services are also able to offer consultation to assist parents, advocates, or school system, charter school, or state operated programs personnel who request help with problem-solving. Consultants at the Department of Public Instruction are neutral and refrain from taking sides when there is a disagreement, but consistently advocate for appropriate services for children with disabilities. They are committed to the protection of rights for children with disabilities and their parents. An informal means of problem solving is provided through the Exceptional Children Division's Facilitated IEP Program for school systems, charter schools, state operated programs, and parents. Formal means for dispute resolution are also available through the Department of Public Instruction, Exceptional Children Division. These options are requirements of federal and state laws governing special education - Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA), and Policies Governing Services for Children with Disabilities. When there is an unresolved disagreement over identification, evaluation or educational placement of a child with a disability or the provision of free appropriate public education, the options for dispute resolution are mediation, formal written complaint, and due process hearing. A formal complaint filed on the same issue(s) as contained in a petition for a due process hearing will not be investigated. These options are also available to the adult student who has reached the age of majority (18), unless legally deemed incompetent or unable to make educational decisions. Dispute Resolution Consultants The consultants for dispute resolution work with parents, traditional local educational agencies, charter schools, state operated programs and other individuals to resolve disputes. They provide information about facilitated IEP meetings, mediation, formal written complaints and due process hearings. They also investigate formal written complaints. Dispute Resolution Brochure AREA CONSULTANT PHONE Facilitation Mediation Due Process State Complaints - Corrective Action Teresa King 984.236.2573 State Complaint Investigator Leigh Mobley 984.236.2571 State Complaint Investigator Deborah Throm 984.236.2572 State Complaint Investigator Polly Lilly 984.236.2567 State Complaint Investigator Cathy Boshamer 984.236.2646 Due Process Resolution Results Form - last revised June 3, 2021 (Spanish form link here) Due Process Hearings Due Process Hearings Due Process Petition for Hearing Form Instruction for Form H-06E "Petition for a Contested Case" and "Certificate of Service" Form H-06E H06-E-a Manifestation Special Ed B Due Process Resolution Meeting Form Due Process Resolution Results - last revised June 3, 2021 (Spanish form link here) 2022 2022 EDC 00083 Wake 2021 2021 EDC 03727 Wake 2021 EDC 03727 Wake Appeal Decision 2021 EDC 2035 Corvian Community Charter 2020 2020 EDC 03534 Union 2020 EDC 03374 Wake 2020 EDC 03373 Union 2020 EDC 03332 Franklin 2020 EDC 03332 Franklin Appeal Decision 2020 EDC 02645 2020 EDC 03551 Wake Final Decision 2020 EDC 02346 Guilford 2020 EDC 00832 Wake 2020 EDC 00832 Wake Appeal Decision 2019 2019 EDC 06873 Charlotte-Mecklenburg 2019 EDC 06677 Charlotte-Mecklenburg 2019 EDC 06677 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Appeal 2019 EDC 03501 Dare 2019 EDC 02149 Chapel Hill-Carrboro 2019 EDC 02149 Chapel Hill-Carrboro Appeal 2019 EDC 02111 Wake 2018 2018 EDC 07450 Wake 2018 EDC 07450 Wake Appeal Decision 2018 EDC 06837 Winston Salem-Forsyth 2018 EDC 05536 Cornerstone Charter Academy 2018 EDC 05536 Cornerstone Charter Academy Appeal Decision 2018 EDC 05306 Charlotte-Mecklenburg 2018 EDC 05306 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Appeal Decision 2018 EDC 05304 Charlotte-Mecklenburg 2018 EDC 05304 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Appeal Decision 2018 EDC 04980 Durham-NCSBOE 2018 EDC 04980 Durham-NCSBOE Appeal Decision 2018 EDC 03723 Craven 2018 EDC 03561 Wake 2018 EDC 03019 Charlotte-Mecklenburg 2018 EDC 03019 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Appeal Decision 2018 EDC 02477 & 2018 EDC 02639 Lee 2018 EDC 00359 Charlotte-Mecklenburg 2018 EDC 00359 Charlotte-Mecklenburg Appeal Decision 2017 2017 EDC 08781 Wake 2017 EDC 08781 Wake Appeal Decision 2017 EDC 06571 Charlotte-Mecklenburg 2017 EDC 03684 Lee 2017 EDC 03684 Lee Appeal Decision 2016 2016 EDC 05089 Wilson 2016 EDC 03852 Wake 2016 EDC 03825 Wake 2016 EDC 01552 Craven 2016 EDC 00625 2016 EDC 04763 Wake 2015 2015 EDC 08808 Wake 2015 EDC 08808 Wake Appeal Decision 2015 EDC 05966 Durham 2015 EDC 05964 New Hanover 2015 EDC 00360 CMS 2015 EDC 00360 CMS Appeal Decision Facilitation Facilitation If requesting a facilitated IEP Team meeting, please email requests to Facilitation@dpi.nc.gov. Staff will monitor this email address during the Governor's State of Emergency. General Information Roles and Responsibilities Qué es la Facilitación del Programa de Educación Individualizada (IEP) For Parents If requesting FIEP, please submit the following signed documents: (1) a FIEP request form; (2) a FERPA form for Parent; and (3) FIEP Agreement Form (Parent) for the approval process. If only agreeing to FIEP, sign and return (1) FERPA form and (2) FIEP Agreement Form. FIEP Request Form revised September 9, 2021 (Spanish form link here) Parent FIEP (FERPA) (Spanish form link here) FIEP Agreement for Parent (Spanish form link here) For LEAs If requesting FIEP, please submit the following signed documents: (1) a FIEP request form; (2) a FERPA form for LEA; and (3) FIEP Agreement Form (LEA) for the approval process. If only agreeing to FIEP, sign and return the (1) FERPA form and (2) FIEP Agreement Form. FIEP Request Form revised September 9, 2021 (Spanish form link here) FIEP Agreement for LEA (Spanish form link here) LEA (FERPA) (Spanish form link here) Facilitation Feedback Form revised July 1, 2013 Results and Reflection from the Facilitated IEP Meeting revised July 1, 2015 (Spanish form link here) Mediation Mediation Requests for mediation should be emailed to mediation@dpi.nc.gov. Mediation Questions & Answers - revised July 2007 Mediation Request Form - revised November 4,2020 (Spanish form link here) Agreement to Mediate Form - revised July 1, 2015 (Spanish form link here) Mediation Feedback from Parties Form - revised July 1, 2015 (Spanish form link here) Mediation Results Form B - revised June 3, 2021 (Spanish form link here) Formal State Complaints Formal State Complaint Procedures last revised July 1, 2021 (Spanish version link here) Model Form for Filing a Complaint, revised July 1, 2021 English Spanish Complaint Withdrawal Form State Complaint Problem-Solving Agreement If filing a formal complaint, please email to state_ec_complaints@dpi.nc.gov. The Council on Educational Services for Exceptional Children State Advisory Council State Advisory Council Purpose The Council on Educational Services for Exceptional Children (Council) is established as an Advisory Council to the State Board of Education. Its establishment is set forth in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) federal regulations in §§ 300.167-300.169 and the North Carolina General Statutes in §115C-121. The Council advises the State Board of Education with respect to the unmet needs of children with special needs and in the development and implementation of policies related to the coordination of services for students with disabilities. The Council also advises the State Board of Education with respect to developing evaluations, reporting on data, and developing corrective action plans to address findings in federal monitoring reports. Duties Advise the State Board of Education with respect to unmet needs within the State in the education of children with disabilities; Comment publicly on rules and policies proposed by the State Board of Education regarding the education of children with disabilities; Advise the State Board of Education in developing evaluations and reporting on data to the Secretary of Education; Advise the State Board or Education in developing corrective action plans to address findings identified in Federal monitoring reports; Advise the State Board of Education in developing and implementing policies relating to the coordination of services for children with disabilities; Carry out any other responsibility as designated by federal law or the State Board of Education. Membership The Council shall consist of a minimum of 24 members. Currently, the Council consists of 25 members - 20 appointees and 5 ex-officio. Members are appointed by the Governor, President Pro Tem of the Senate, Speaker of the House, and the State Board of Education. Appointees represent individuals with disabilities from the ranks of parents, teachers, higher education, public and private schools, business/vocational community, and charter schools. A majority of representatives shall be persons with disabilities or parents of children with disabilities Terms of Service State Board of Education appointees serve 4 years All other appointees serve 2 years Council members serve without pay Council members receive travel allowances Council members serve not more than two consecutive four-year terms Bylaws Updated 2016 Information Council Members updated 07/01/2022 Public Comment The Council on Educational Services for Exceptional Children (CESEC) Vision Statement As a diverse representation of stakeholders, the CESEC informs and advises the State Board of Education (SBE) on policies and matters relating to improving the educational outcomes for students with disabilities in NC. Public Comment Procedure Public comments are an essential and necessary part of CESEC fulfilling its role to advise the State Board of Education with respect to the unmet needs of children with special needs in the state of North Carolina. Stakeholders are encouraged to submit written comments at any time or attend the CESEC’s quarterly meetings and register for public comment. Thirty minutes will be reserved on the CESEC agenda for public input at each meeting. Additional time may be added at the discretion of the Chairperson. General guidelines for public input: Public comment may be made verbally (in person) or in written form including email to CESEC. Priority will be given to in person comments. Written comments will be read by the Chairperson in the order they are received. All written comments will be documented. Public comment is limited to no more than five minutes per person in the first thirty minutes of the afternoon session. Sign-in must occur by 12:30 pm. Written comments should be sent to CESEC@dpi.nc.gov or Danyelle Sanders, EC Division, 6356 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-6356 by 4pm, 10 business days prior to the regularly scheduled CESEC meeting. See the Upcoming Meetings link below. Comments should be focused on relevant topics to the mission of CESEC. No solicitation is allowed. The public comment opportunity is not a forum for vendors to market goods or services. It is for individuals to share concerns and successes that could help shape future direction in the accomplishment of the Council’s mission which is stated below: The CESEC is established as an Advisory Council to the State Board of Education. Its establishment is set forth in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEA) federal regulations in §§ 300.167-300.169 and the North Carolina General Statutes in §115C-121. The mission of CESEC is to advise the State Board of Education with respect to the unmet needs of children with special needs and in development and implementation of policies related to the coordination of services for disabled students; advise the SBE with respect to development of evaluations and reporting on data, and developing corrective action plans to address findings in federal monitoring comments. All public comments will be taken under advisement by CESEC but will not receive verbal or written response. Public comments will be summarized in the minutes of the meeting. The Council will review public comments and decide on appropriate action, if any, according to the Council’s mission. Making Public Comment in Person: A sign-in sheet will be available at the registration table. All those wishing to speak must sign-in. The Chairperson will call on individuals based on the order of sign-in. When called upon please state your name, county of residence and subject matter. Comments should be factual, objective and related to the mission of CESEC. Maintain confidentiality and privacy standards: Do not mention the personal names of students or school staff. Members of CESEC shall not interrupt the speaker during the allotted five minutes of time. The Chairperson may interrupt the speaker if there is a concern that public comment procedure and/or privacy or other laws are being violated. Submitting Written Public Comment Any individual may submit a written comment via written letter or email to be signed in and read by the Chairperson and/or distributed at the quarterly CESEC meeting during the public comment period. Written comments may be up to 600 words. All written comments must be received by at CESEC@dpi.nc.gov or Danyelle Sanders, Exceptional Children Division, 6356 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-6356 by 4 pm, 10 business days prior to the quarterly CESEC meeting. Any comments submitted after that time will be read and/or distributed at a later date. Written comment must include the name, address, email address if available, and county of residence of the individual submitting the comment. Written comments should be factual, objective and related to the mission of the CESEC. Written comments must maintain confidentiality and privacy standards. If special assistance is needed to participate in the public comment period, every effort will be made to provide the appropriate accommodation. When requesting accommodations for public comment, please allow no less than 10 business days’ notice prior to the scheduled meeting. Contact the CESEC at CESEC@dpi.nc.gov or Danyelle Sanders, Exceptional Children Division, 6356 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-6356 or (984) 236-2574 Upcoming Meetings Upcoming Meetings Council meetings are held four times a year and are open to the public. Location: State Board of Education Room, 7th Floor Department of Public Instruction 301 North Wilmington Street Raleigh, NC Time: 9:30 am - 4:00 pm Upcoming meetings 2022 Meeting Link: https://ncgov.webex.com/ncgov/j.php?MTID=m581c59c01e6b286da4e575a4e80ea298 Meeting Number: 2420 569 9662 Password: Council (C must be capitalized) Join by Phone: 415-655-0003 US Toll 904-900-2303 US Toll (Jacksonville) Meeting Dates: March 9, 2022 - Agenda June 8, 2022 - Agenda September 14, 2022 December 14, 2022 Annual Reports Annual Reports 2020-2021 Annual Report 2019-2020 Annual Report 2018-2019 Annual Report Meeting Archive Meeting Archive 2021 March 10, 2021 Summary of Actions Meeting Transcript June 9, 2021 Summary of Actions Meeting Transcript September 8, 2021 Summary of Actions Meeting Transcript December 8, 2021 Summary of Actions Meeting Transcript 2020 March 11, 2020 Summary of Actions Meeting Transcription June 10, 2020 Summary of Actions Meeting Transcription September 9, 2020 Summary of Actions Meeting Transcription December 9, 2020 Summary of Actions Meeting Transcription 2019 March 13, 2019 Summary of Actions Meeting Transcription June 12, 2019 Summary of Actions Meeting Transcription September 11, 2019 Summary of Actions Meeting Transcription December 11, 2019 Meeting Transcription Special Education Parent Advisory Councils A local Special Education Parent Advisory Council is a district-level, parent-driven group that provides input to the local school district on system-level challenges in special education and related services. There are any names for this group throughout the state, but the purpose is the same; advise, advocate, and offer guidance to the district. Local Special Education Parent Advisory Councils are not required under IDEA or NC law; however, many districts have established councils. Local Education Agency Alamance-Burlington Exceptional Children Parent Advisory Council (ECPAC) Chapel Hill-Carrboro Special Needs Advisory Council Charlotte-Mecklenburg EC Parent Advisory Council (ECPAC) Cumberland County Parent Advisory Council (PAC) Durham Special Needs Advisory Council Gaston County Advisory Board for Children with Disabilities New Hanover County Advisory Council for Exceptional Children Union County Special Needs Advisory Council (SNAC) Wake Special Education Advisory Council Online National & Statewide Resources Accredited Online Colleges American Association of People with Disabilities (AAPD) American Association on Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities American Foundation for the Blind American Speech Language Hearing Association Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Arc of NC, The Assistive Technology Program (NCDHHS) Association on Higher Education and Disability Autism Society of NC, The Autism Speaks Brain Injury Association of NC Center for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special Education (CADRE) Center for Parent Information & Resources College Navigator - US Department of Education Decoding Dyslexia NC Down Syndrome Alliance of NC EasterSeals UCP Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) Family Support Network of NC First in Families of North Carolina Great Schools IDEA-US Department of Education Intervention Central Learning Disabilities Association of NC Medicaid-NC Division of Medical Assistance (NCDHHS) Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) National Alliance on Mental Illness National Association of the Deaf National Center for Educational Outcomes National Center for Learning Disabilities National Down Syndrome Society National Organization on Disability NC Children with Special Needs Health Care Needs Help Line NC Council on Developmental Disabilities NC Families United NC Guardianship Association NC PTA Office of Civil Rights Positive Behavior Interventions & Supports (PBIS) Social Security Administration - Benefits for Disabled Children Special Olympics Trauma Resource Center for Military Families & Professionals Voices for Learning Wright's Law Eastern Region Family Support Network of Eastern NC, Inc. Special Education Alliance 4 Eastern NC Northeast-Eastern Region Family Support Network of Northeastern NC Southeast Region Family Support Network of Southeastern NC North Central Region Alliance of Disability Advocates Arc of the Triangle, The CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) of the Triangle Exchange Family Center (Durham) Family Support Network of the Greater Triangle Sandhills Region Arc Moore County, The Sandhills Center: Family support and Community Collaboration Sandhills Kids, LLC Piedmont-Triad Region Family Support Network of Central Carolina Family Support Network of Greater Forsyth Northwest Region Family Support Network of High Country Family Support Network HOPE Southwest Region Autism Charlotte CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) of Mecklenburg County Family Support Network of Southern Piedmont Family Support Network of Trusted Parents (Mecklenburg) ParentVOICE (Mental Health America of Central Carolinas) Western Region Family Support Network of Region A Family Support Network of Western NC FIRST Resource Center Western NC Down Syndrome Alliance