MANCHESTER
CITY SCHOOLS

Exceptional Education Department

As mandated by the federal government through the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the exceptional education program is diverse and attempts to meet the academic, behavioral, social, physical and adaptive needs of students. Services may begin at age three, depending on eligibility, and continue until students exit the program or complete the 8th grade. At that time, students enter the Manchester City School System and continue special education services as the IEP (Individual Education Program) team determines.

In keeping with the mandate from IDEA, Manchester City Schools Exceptional Education seeks to provide the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE) for all students. This means the doors to schools, classrooms, and school activities are open to every student and they are afforded every opportunity to be included with their non-disabled peers. A continuum of services is available for each student based on the IEP team decision on the placement of those services – either in general education or exceptional education setting. The focus is on giving each student the help he/she needs to learn.

The continuum of services, as required by IDEA and are determined by the IEP team, might include related services such as occupational therapy, speech and language therapy and physical therapy. Manchester City Schools provides a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) to all students who qualify for services through exceptional education in the “least restrictive environment.”

For more information about disabilities:

Family Path Finders

Dyslexia

Autism

Individuals with Disabilities Act