Special Education & Student Services

This parent’s guide was developed by the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) to help parents understand their rights and responsibilities, the child’s rights, and the school’s responsibilities to meet the special needs of students. This guide includes a description of the special education process and what is required of parents and the school during each step of that process. Important timelines are highlighted in each section.

VDOE Parent's Guide

"Your Family's Special Education Rights" identifies key parts of the “Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004” (IDEA), a federal law governing the education of students with disabilities. IDEA 2004 requires that families be informed of their special education rights, including how families and schools can resolve problems.

The Office of Student Services mails this to parents of students with IEPs annually.

VDOE Safeguards

This document reflects Virginia’s reauthorization of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act, December 3, 2004, (IDEA ’04) and its implementing federal regulations, October 13, 2006, prompted the need to revise Virginia’s special education regulations. Input was received from a Stakeholders Group that included school personnel, parents, consumers, professionals, and members of the State Special Education Advisory Committee. The Virginia Department of Education adhered to the requirements of Virginia’s Administrative Process Act in the development and review of these regulations.

VDOE Regulations

• As parents, you play an important role in working with school divisions to ensure that your child’s education needs are met. However, when problems arise with your child’s special education, you may not know what to do or whom to call. The following information may help you resolve your special education concerns by working with Poquoson division staff.

  Troubleshooting Special Education Concerns

• VCU Autism Center for Excellence
• Students with Sensory Disabilities
• VDOE: Special Education For Parents

Homeless Information and Resources

The SEAC advises the Poquoson school division of unmet needs and assists in formulating plans for improving the performance of students with disabilities. The SEAC works with the school board, administrators, parents and teachers who are responsible for the education of students with special needs.

The SEAC will meet in the Poquoson Elementary School (PES) Library from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM on the following dates:

Thursday, December 2, 2021

Thursday, February 10, 2021

Thursday, April 14, 2022

Thursday, June 2, 2022

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act states that pre-school students who receive special education services must be provided with a free and appropriate public education in their Least Restrictive Environment. Poquoson City Public Schools continues to offer a program for pre-school students with disabilities in an inclusive environment that includes their typically developing peers.  IPOP students are chosen through a lottery system. Additionally, 4-year-old IPOP-VPI students who qualify under the Virginia Preschool Initiative (VPI) are chosen following a parental application and student screening. Transportation is provided for all IPOP students.

Visit our IPOP Webpage to learn about our Integrated Poquoson Outreach Program.

There, you will also find application materials to get your student registered!