Accessing Exceptional Ed. Services
How to Access Exceptional Education Services
Monroe County Schools is committed to making sure every child receives the support they need to learn and grow. If you think your child may have a disability or learning difference, we’re here to help guide you through the process. Special education services are provided through a clear process that includes Referral, Evaluation, and Eligibility—as outlined by Tennessee state law and the federal Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
For School-Aged Children (Ages 5–21)
If your child is in school and you have concerns about their learning, behavior, or development, the first step is to talk with their teacher or principal. You can also contact our Exceptional Education Department at 423-442-5592 to be connected with someone who can help.
Each child is different, and decisions about special education are made based on the individual needs of the student. Before referring a child for special education services, the school team will first look at how to support them within the general education classroom, using classroom strategies, interventions, and supports through the RTI² (Response to Instruction and Intervention) process.
For Preschool-Aged Children (Ages 3–5)
If your child is between the ages of 3 and 5 and you believe they may have a delay or disability, please contact our Exceptional Education Department at 423-442-5592. One of our school psychologists or speech-language pathologists will work with you to plan a developmental evaluation.
We gather information through a mix of parent interviews, observations, and assessments. Areas that may be evaluated include:
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Speech and language skills
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Thinking and early learning skills
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Fine and gross motor skills (small and large movements)
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Social and emotional development
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Behavior
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Vision and hearing
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Self-help or adaptive skills
If your child qualifies for services, we will work with you to create an Individualized Education Program (IEP) that meets their needs in a preschool setting.
Step 1: Referral
A referral means someone (a parent, teacher, counselor, or other school staff) thinks a student may need special education services. The referral usually goes to the School Support Team (S-Team) or the RTI² Data Team at your child’s school.
The team will first try strategies and supports within the general education setting. If the student continues to struggle, the team may decide to move forward with a formal special education referral.
Parents can make a referral at any time by contacting the school or the Exceptional Education Department. Once a referral is made, and the team agrees to move forward, the IEP Team will be formed to start the next steps.
Step 2: Evaluation
Before a student can receive special education services, a full evaluation is required. This helps the team understand your child’s strengths and areas where they may need support.
The IEP Team includes:
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The child’s parent or guardian
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A general education teacher
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A special education teacher
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A school psychologist or other assessment specialist
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A school administrator or someone who can approve services (called an LEA representative)
The team will create an evaluation plan and ask for your written permission to begin. Once permission is given, the school has 60 calendar days to complete the evaluation and meet again to review the results.
Step 3: Eligibility
To qualify for special education, two things must be true:
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The student has a disability as defined by state and federal law.
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Because of that disability, the student needs special education services to make progress in school.
Tennessee recognizes the following disability categories:
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Specific Learning Disability
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Intellectual Disability
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Giftedness (as defined by the state)
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Developmental Delay (ages 3–9)
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Autism
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Speech or Language Impairment
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Hearing Impairment or Deafness
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Visual Impairment or Blindness
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Emotional Disturbance
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Orthopedic Impairment
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Other Health Impairment
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Multiple Disabilities
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Traumatic Brain Injury
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Deaf-Blindness
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Functional Delay (Tennessee-specific)
If the team finds your child eligible, an Individualized Education Program (IEP) will be developed to outline services and goals for your child.
IEP Services
Once a child is found eligible, special education and related services are provided at no cost to families. We provide these services in the least restrictive environment (LRE)—which means students learn alongside their peers as much as possible. Services may take place in the regular classroom, in a small group setting, or in another setting that best meets the child’s needs.
Your child’s IEP is reviewed at least once a year, and a reevaluation is completed every three years to make sure your child still qualifies for services and that the plan is meeting their needs.
When Services End (Termination of Eligibility)
Your child’s special education services may end if:
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They no longer meet the state’s criteria for a disability
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They no longer need special education to make progress
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They graduate with a regular high school diploma
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They turn 22 years old before the school year starts
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You, as the parent/guardian, request in writing that services be stopped
If services are ended, the school will meet with you to explain the reasons and provide written notice.
Have Questions? We’re Here to Help!
If you have questions at any point in this process, please don’t hesitate to reach out. Contact the Monroe County Schools Exceptional Education Department at 423-442-5592, and we will connect you with someone who can walk you through the next steps.
