Special Education
What is special education?
Special education is provided to a child with an identified disability who needs specially
designed instruction to meet his/her unique needs and to enable the child to access the
general curriculum of the school district. A child who is eligible for special education
services is entitled, by federal law, to receive a free appropriate public education (FAPE).
FAPE ensures that all students with disabilities receive an appropriate public education at
no cost to the family. FAPE differs from student to student because each has unique
needs. As a parent of a child who has or who may have a disability that requires specially
designed instruction, you will work with a team of educators and/or specialists to
determine the needs of your child and to design an appropriate program to address your
child’s educational needs.
What are related services?
Related services are those services that are required in order for a child to benefit from
special education. Related services may include, but not limited to, psychological and
counseling services, speech and language services, audiological services, guidance,
social work, transportation, physical and occupational therapy and medical services that
are required for diagnostic or evaluation purposes.
Essential Links
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BFIS Help Desk
Bright Futures Information System
Child Development Division (CDD)
STARS
Vermont Association for the Education of Young Children (VAEYC)
VT Center for Afterschool Excellence
VT Child Care Providers Association
VT Childcare Industry and Careers Council
VT Department of Education