Exceptional Education
At RPS, we believe there should be no barrier to students achieving their dreams
The Exceptional Education Department works with students with disabilities and their families to ensure that every student receives a high-quality, individualized education in the least restrictive environment. We’re dedicated to fostering inclusive practices, celebrating student strengths, and promoting equity through collaborators with families, educators, and community partners. Our goal is to equip and empower students with the academic, social, emotional, and life skills needed to thrive in school and beyond.
The Department is responsible for ensuring that students with disabilities receive appropriate services and supports through individualized education programs (IEPs). This includes specialized instruction, related services, compliance with federal and state laws, collaboration with students and staff, and the promotion of inclusive practices that foster growth and success. In addition to academic skills, we support the development of life and career-readiness skills, enabling successful transitions to post-secondary education, employment, or independent living. Put simply, we help students reach their full potential and lead meaningful, productive adult lives.
The Exceptional Education Department is responsible for:
- Early Childhood Special Education
- Transition Services
- Intensive Support Programming
- Related Services
- Psychology Service
Special Education Parent Survey
All families of students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) in Virginia are encouraged to complete the Virginia Department of Education's annual Special Education Parent Involvement Survey by December 11, 2026. If you have questions concerning this survey, please contact Chiquita Seaborne, Family Engagement Specialist/Special Projects Coordinator, via telephone at (804) 225-3898 or via email at Chiquita.Seaborne@doe.virginia.gov.
Special Education Parent Survey English
Special Education Parent Survey Spanish
Understanding Special Education
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Special education means providing students with identified disabilities specialized instruction designed to meet their unique learning needs, giving them the opportunity to develop to their fullest potential. It includes instruction; accommodations, modifications, supports; and related services needed as determined by a child’s individualized education program team.
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An Evaluation is an essential beginning step in the special education process for a child with a disability. Before a child can receive special education and related services for the first time, a full and individual initial evaluation of the child must be conducted to see if the child has a disability and is eligible for special education. Informed parent consent must be obtained before this evaluation may be conducted.
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In order for a student to receive special education services, the student must meet the criteria of one or more of the thirteen disability categories. At the eligibility meeting, a team of qualified professionals and the parents of the student make a decision as to whether or not a student meets the requirements to receive special education services.
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An Individualized Education Program (IEP) describes the educational program that has been designed to meet that child's unique needs. Each child who receives special education and related services must have an IEP. The IEP is developed in an IEP meeting with a group of individuals such as teachers, parents / guardians, administrators, related services personnel, and students (when appropriate) who work collaboratively to create a plan that provides meaningful benefit for the student with disability.
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At least once a year, the Individualized Education Program team will meet to review and revise the student’s IEP. At the annual review meeting the team discusses the student's progress for the past year to revise the plan for the upcoming school year.
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The IEP team must convene a reevaluation meeting at least once every three years. The purpose of a reevaluation meeting is to determine whether additional information is needed to determine if a student continues to have a disability requiring specially designed instruction and related services, and the nature and extent of special education and related services that the student needs.