Special Education

The Nashville School District is committed to providing a quality education for students in our community.  We believe that all students can learn and be successful in school.  Some students may require additional time, tailored teaching methods or personalized educational programs.  Students’ needs vary depending on the nature of their barriers and the age of the student.  Services offered for those who qualify under the IDEA guidelines may be able to receive speech-language services, occupational therapy and physical therapy for those who need it.  To receive special education services, students must meet eligibility guidelines set forth in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.  For more Information about the IDEA, click here. 

For a copy of Your Rights Under the IDEA, click English or Spanish.   

For more information, contact the Nashville School Districts Special Education Department at 870-845-3425.

Child Find

Child Find is a component of the 2004 Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) that requires states to locate, identify, and evaluate all children with disabilities, from birth to 21, located within its jurisdiction who are in need of early intervention or special education services. Child Find is an ongoing cooperative effort that involves state and local education agencies (LEAs), parents, the community, professionals, related organizations, and private schools. IDEA requires all states to have a “comprehensive child find system” to assure that all children who are in need of early intervention or special education services are located, identified, and referred. In Arkansas, the lead agency for Part C of IDEA Early Intervention Program (children birth to 3 years) is the Arkansas Department of Human Services. The lead agency for Part B/619 (children ages 3-21 years), is the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Early identification of children in need of special services is most important to each child.  The Nashville School District will work with local agencies, physicians, and other individuals to identify and locate children out of school and in school who may be in need of specialized services.  To learn more about ways to help identify a student who may need assistance, click here.  For more information, contact the Nashville School Districts Special Education Department at 870-845-3425.

Link

Child Find

Transition Services

IDEA 2004, (34) Transition Services - The term 'transition services' means a coordinated set of activities for a child with a disability that -

(A) is designed to be a results-oriented process, that is focused on improving the academic and functional achievement of the child with a disability to facilitate the child's movement from school to post-school activities, including post-secondary education, vocational education, integrated employment (including supported employment), continuing and adult education, adult services, independent living, or community participation;

(B) is based on the individual child's needs, taking into account the child's strength's, preferences, and interests;

(C) includes instruction, related services, community experiences, the development of employment and other post-school adult living objectives, and, when appropriate, acquisition of daily living skills and functional vocational evaluation.

Helpful Transition Links:

Destruction of Records

Special Education records are maintained in a secure location for 6 years after students graduate or leave the district. After that time, they are destroyed in a confidential manner. Records are available to the student or parent (if the student is under 18) by request. Call the Special Education office at 870-845-3425 to make a request for records.

Parent Links