Atlanta

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Special Education

Support for students with special needs is provided by public and private schools in Atlanta, including tailored programs and resources.

Sections

1. Overview of Special Education in Atlanta

Special Education in Atlanta is governed by federal laws such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. These laws ensure that children with disabilities have access to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) tailored to their individual needs. The Atlanta Public Schools (APS) district, along with private schools and specialized facilities, provides a variety of services and programs for children with disabilities.

2. Services Available

Atlanta offers a wide range of services for children with special needs, including:

a. Early Intervention Services

  • Babies Can’t Wait (BCW): Georgia’s early intervention program for children from birth to age 3 with developmental delays or disabilities. Services include speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and family training.
  • Child Find: A program under IDEA that helps identify children with disabilities from birth to age 21 who may need special education services.

b. School-Based Services

  • Individualized Education Programs (IEPs): Customized plans for students with disabilities, outlining specific goals, accommodations, and services.
  • Related Services: Speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, counseling, and transportation.
  • Assistive Technology: Tools and devices to support learning, such as communication devices or adaptive software.
  • Behavioral Support: Programs for students with emotional or behavioral challenges, including Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBAs) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs).

c. Specialized Programs

  • Autism-specific programs, such as Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy.
  • Programs for students with intellectual disabilities, sensory impairments, or physical disabilities.
  • Transition services for older students (ages 14-21) to prepare for post-secondary education, employment, or independent living.

d. Community Support Services

  • Parent mentoring and advocacy groups.
  • Respite care for families.
  • Support groups for parents and caregivers.

3. Educational Programs

Atlanta offers a mix of public, private, and specialized schools for children with special needs:

a. Public Schools

  • Atlanta Public Schools (APS) provides special education services in all its schools. Students are placed in the least restrictive environment (LRE), which may include general education classrooms, resource rooms, or self-contained classrooms.
  • Specialized programs within APS include:
    • Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Programs
    • Deaf/Hard of Hearing (DHH) Programs
    • Vision Impairment Services
    • Emotional and Behavioral Disorder (EBD) Programs

b. Private and Charter Schools

  • The Howard School: A private school specializing in students with language-based learning disabilities, such as dyslexia.
  • The Atlanta Speech School: Focuses on children with speech, language, and literacy challenges.
  • The Cottage School: Serves students with learning differences and ADHD, offering small class sizes and individualized instruction.
  • Jacob’s Ladder Neurodevelopmental School and Therapy Center: Provides a therapeutic and academic environment for children with neurological disorders.

c. Specialized Facilities

  • Marcus Autism Center: A nationally recognized center for autism diagnosis, treatment, and research.
  • The Elaine Clark Center: Offers early intervention and educational programs for children with developmental delays and disabilities.

4. Costs

  • Public Schools: Special education services in public schools are free of charge, as mandated by IDEA.
  • Private Schools: Tuition for private schools specializing in special education can range from $10,000 to $40,000+ per year. Some schools offer scholarships or financial aid.
  • Therapies and Services: Costs for private therapies (e.g., ABA, speech therapy) vary widely but can range from $50 to $200 per session. Insurance may cover some services, depending on the policy.

5. Procedures for Enrolling a Child with Special Needs

a. Public Schools

  1. Contact the School District: Reach out to Atlanta Public Schools or the local school district where you reside.
  2. Request an Evaluation: Submit a written request for an evaluation to determine eligibility for special education services.
  3. Evaluation Process: The school conducts assessments in areas such as academics, behavior, and speech/language.
  4. Eligibility Meeting: If the child qualifies, an IEP team (including parents) develops an Individualized Education Program (IEP).
  5. Placement and Services: The child is placed in an appropriate program, and services begin.

b. Private Schools

  • Contact the school directly to inquire about admission requirements, assessments, and available support services.
  • Some private schools may require independent evaluations or testing.

c. Early Intervention (Ages 0-3)

  • Contact Babies Can’t Wait (BCW) to schedule an evaluation and develop an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP).

6. Major Local Schools and Facilities Specializing in Special Education

Here are some notable institutions in Atlanta:

Public Schools

  • Atlanta Public Schools (APS): Offers a range of special education services across its schools.

Private Schools

  • The Howard School
  • The Atlanta Speech School
  • The Cottage School
  • Jacob’s Ladder Neurodevelopmental School and Therapy Center

Specialized Centers

  • Marcus Autism Center
  • The Elaine Clark Center
  • Lekotek of Georgia: Provides play-based learning and assistive technology for children with disabilities.

7. Additional Considerations for Families

a. Advocacy and Support

  • Parent to Parent of Georgia: Offers resources, training, and support for families of children with disabilities.
  • Georgia Advocacy Office: Provides advocacy services for individuals with disabilities.

b. Transportation

  • APS provides transportation for students with disabilities if it is included in their IEP.
  • MARTA (Atlanta’s public transit system) offers reduced fares and paratransit services for individuals with disabilities.

c. Legal and Financial Planning

  • Consider consulting a special needs attorney or financial planner to establish guardianship, special needs trusts, or other long-term plans.

d. Cultural and Recreational Opportunities

  • Many Atlanta attractions, such as the Georgia Aquarium and the Atlanta Botanical Garden, offer sensory-friendly events and accommodations for children with special needs.

8. Key Contacts and Resources

By leveraging these resources and services, families moving to or living in Atlanta can ensure their children with special needs receive the support and education they deserve. Let me know if you need further assistance!