Academically Gifted Program
AIG Coordinator: Michelle Sykes
The Academically Gifted (AIG) Program supports the education of students at Falls Lake Academy that perform, or show potential for performing at remarkably high levels of accomplishment when compared to others of their age, experience, or environment. Services for AIG students include differentiated curriculum and instruction that extends and enriches the North Carolina Standard Course of Study. Students that are recommended for services are evaluated using both formal and informal indicators and a school based identification committee determines eligibility.
Exceptional Children's Program
EC Coordinator: Christy Kinder
Phone: 919-964-9003 Extension 411
FLA is committed to providing a quality educational program for ALL students. If you suspect that your child may have a disability that is affecting their language, articulation, cognitive, social, motor, academic or adaptive living skills, you may request, in writing, that an evaluation be conducted, at no cost to the family, in order to determine eligibility for special education services. Please contact Christy Kinder with any questions and concerns.
Project Child Find is a mandate by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act that states, “All children with disabilities three through 21 residing in the LEA, including children who are homeless children or are wards of the State, regardless of the severity of their disability, and who are in need of special education and related services, are identified, located, and evaluated”.
What is Project Child Find?
An effort coordinated by your local school system and the Exceptional Children Division, State Department of Public Instruction, to:
- Locate and identify children and youth ages birth through 21 with disabilities who are in need of special education and related services.
- Inform parents and/or guardians of the services available from their local school system and other state and community agencies.
Who Are the Children?
Children and youth who have been diagnosed or are suspected to have intellectual, physical, or emotional disabilities and are unable to benefit from a regular school program without special assistance.
What Help is Available?
- A complete evaluation and, if appropriate,
- An individualized Education Program for children with a disability beginning at age three,
- An individualized Family Service Plan for each child with a disability birth through 2, or
- A referral to other agencies when needed.
NCDPI EC Division Child Find page
Parent's Rights Handbook
This handbook is designed to support families with the understanding of the rights and responsibilities specific to the special education process. Acronyms and terms often used in special education and resources can be found in the appendices.
If, at any time, you suspect your student may have a disability and is in need of special education and/or related services, you may request an evaluation, in writing, to your student’s school principal, teacher, or [Christy Kinder].
Parent’s Rights and Responsibilities in Special Education
Derechos y Responsabilidades de Los Padres de Familia en Educacion Especial
Useful Links
North Carolina Department of Public Instruction Exceptional Children Division. The mission of the Exceptional Children Division is to ensure that students with disabilities develop intellectually, physically, emotionally, and vocationally through the provision of an appropriate individualized program in the least restrictive environment.
Policies Governing Services for Children with Disabilities
Exceptional Children’s Assistance Center
Seclusion and Restraint Legislation
Dispute Resolution
From time to time, disagreements between families and schools may occur regarding the development and implementation a student’s individualized education program (IEP). If this occurs, please discuss your concerns with your student’s classroom teacher and/or EC Case Manager. If you continue to have concerns, please reach out to the EC Coordinator, Christy Kinder. (919) 964-9003, ext 411.
Information for New and Prospective Students
If you are new to Falls Lake Academy and have questions about special education, contact Christy Kinder via email at christykinder@fallslakeacademy.com.
In order to make your student’s transition go smoothly, it is very important to provide your student’s new school copies of the following information during registration:
• Most recent psychoeducational report, eligibility, evaluation and/or reevaluation report;
• Current individualized education program (IEP); and
• Contact information for your student’s previous school and school district.
These items will support a successful transition between your student’s old and new school and will ensure that appropriate services and supports are made available.
If you are new to Falls Lake Academy and your student has an IEP, here is what to expect -
Out of state students: Once you have shared your student’s special education records, school staff will invite you to a meeting to discuss comparable services, or services similar to or the same as, provided on your student’s most recent IEP. During the meeting, school staff will also describe the initial eligibility process that occurs when students move from out of state and the timeline in which an initial North Carolina (NC) IEP will be developed.
For in state students but new to FLA: School staff will begin implementing your student’s current NC on their first day of school. An invitation to review and revise your student’s IEP may be scheduled. The purpose of the meeting will be to discuss your student’s transition to a new school and to determine if any adjustments to the services and supports currently being provided are needed.