Special Education Eligibility
In accordance with IDEA regulations, Georgia Cyber Academy seeks to ensure that all disabled students (ages 3-21) who are in need of special education within its jurisdiction are identified, located, and evaluated. Final identification of students with disabilities, including those with impaired vision or hearing, and programming for such students occurs only after an appropriate evaluation and a determination by the evaluation team. Once it is determined whether a student is in need of special education services, they may receive these services through the end of the school year in which they turn 22 years of age.
For additional information about the rights of parents of eligible children, for answers to any questions you may have regarding eligibility and placement into the special education program, if you know a child with a disability that is not being served, or if you have an individualized education program (IEP)/eligibility from a previous school, please complete this survey:
Special Education Information REquest FormCompleting this survey does not place your student in special education. If your student has a current IEP or 504 Plan at GCA, or if you do not have any concerns related to special education, you do not need to complete the above survey.
Students with disabilities can receive services based on the following eligibility 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
Students with disabilities who qualify for Special Education Services can receive a free appropriate education (FAPE) based on the student’s Individual Education Plan (IEP). Georgia Cyber Academy delivers special education programming and related services in the least restrictive environment, as determined by the student’s IEP team. Instruction and services delivered in a virtual and/or face to face environment are provided at no cost to the parent, guardian or student. Through the virtual learning environment, students can be served using regular education, additional supportive services, consultative, co-teaching, collaborative, and small group settings.
Progress monitoring of IEP goals is accomplished through a variety of data collection methods using a variety of instructional programs, as well as the individualized assessments designed by special education and general education teachers. IEP mandated, specialized instructional services are provided via the online learning platform, and progress data is collected during live class sessions. These sessions are designed to aid in the continuous progression and mastery of students’ IEP goals and objectives. These sessions, led by certified special education teachers, are intended to support the student’s academic, behavioral, and post-secondary needs.
All members of the Georgia Cyber Academy school community believe that varied instructional practices and learning environments benefit all children. Related Services, such as Speech, Physical Therapy, and Occupational Therapy, etc. are determined through review of various data sources to include evaluations and progress monitoring data. In sum, Georgia Cyber Academy is committed to the full implementation of IDEA. When students served through the Department of Special Education are provided with the appropriate supports, as outlined in their IEP and through the collaborative efforts of parents, students, teachers, therapists and other faculty/ staff (as appropriate), we believe they will achieve.
Any additional information regarding Parent Rights, Special Education Records, and services offered should be directed to Veronica Crenshaw.
Students receiving special education services may have additional face to face, on camera, and attendance requirements per their IEP. The learning coach or designated adult will have additional meetings with staff as is required.
A Note About Special Education at GCA
As a public charter school, GCA will implement your student’s IEP with fidelity. Although some services may look different in the virtual setting, your student’s needs will be addressed and services will be provided in accordance with I.D.E.A.
If your student currently has an IEP, please submit these documents with your application and submit any related documents to specialeducationrecords@georgiacyber.org. In addition, we will request records from your student’s previous school district. You should expect to hear from our Special Education team with an invitation to an Intake IEP Team Meeting to review and discuss services after you have completed enrollment.
Thank you, we look forward to serving your student! If you still have questions, please reach out to our Special Education Parent Mentor, Jennifer Anderson at janderson@georgiacyber.org