Special Education Services

At Georgia Cyber Academy, we are committed to providing a high-quality, personalized education for all students, including those with special needs. We believe every child deserves the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Our Commitment to IDEA and Child Find

In accordance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act (IDEIA), GCA is dedicated to:

• Identifying, locating, and evaluating children with suspected or confirmed disabilities, from birth through age 21, within our district.
• Providing procedural safeguards to children with disabilities and their parents/guardians throughout the identification, evaluation, and placement process.
• Ensuring a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) for all eligible students.

Special Education Eligibility

Students may be eligible for special education services if they meet the criteria under one of the following categories:

• Autism
• Deafblind
• Deaf/Hard of Hearing
• Emotional & Behavioral Disorder
• Intellectual Disabilities
• Orthopedic Impairment
• Other Health Impairment
• Significant Developmental Delay
• Specific Learning Disability
• Speech-Language Impairment
• Traumatic Brain Injury
• Visual Impairment & Blindness

Eligibility is determined through a comprehensive evaluation process conducted by a multidisciplinary team.

Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)

Students who qualify for special education services receive a FAPE based on their Individualized Education Program (IEP). GCA delivers special education programming and related services in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE), as determined by the IEP team.

• Virtual and/or Face-to-Face Services: Instruction and services are provided at no cost to parents/guardians.
• Varied Instructional Settings: Students may receive services through regular education, additional supportive services, consultative, co-teaching, collaborative, and small group settings.
• Progress Monitoring: IEP goals are monitored through various data collection methods, instructional programs, and individualized assessments.
• Related Services: Speech therapy, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other related services are provided based on evaluation and progress monitoring data.

A Note About Special Education at GCA

As a public charter school, GCA implements IEPs with fidelity. While some services may be delivered differently in a virtual setting, we ensure your child's needs are addressed in accordance with IDEA.

• Submitting IEPs: If your student has a current IEP, please submit it with your application and send any related documents to [email address removed].
• Intake IEP Team Meeting: After enrollment, you will be invited to an Intake IEP Team Meeting to review and discuss services.
• Additional Requirements: Students receiving special education services may have additional face-to-face, on-camera, and attendance requirements per their IEP. Learning coaches or designated adults will have additional meetings with staff as required.

LIFE: Learning Information with Functional Education

The LIFE program serves students with severe to mild intellectual disabilities, grades K-12.

• Small Group Instruction: Students participate in small group instruction with a grade-level modified curriculum, focusing on academics and functional life skills.
• Real-World Skills: We emphasize life skills to prepare students to be contributing members of society.

Instructional Support Services

• Section 504 Plans: Students with documented disabilities that substantially limit a major life activity may be eligible for accommodations under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
• Response to Intervention (RtI): Students identified as needing RtI Tier 2 or 3 supports may have additional face-to-face or on-camera interactions.