Exceptional Children (EC) Services at Riverside Leadership Academy

At Riverside Leadership Academy (RLA), we are committed to providing appropriate educational opportunities for all students, including those identified with disabilities or exceptional needs. We believe every child deserves access to a free and appropriate public education and the support necessary to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

RLA works in partnership with families to identify student needs early and to provide services and supports aligned with federal and state guidelines.

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Our Commitment to Students and Families

RLA is dedicated to:

• Ensuring students with disabilities have equitable access to learning

• Providing individualized supports based on each child’s strengths and needs

• Partnering with families throughout the evaluation and service process

• Meeting all requirements under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)

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If you suspect that your child may have a disability affecting their language, articulation, cognitive development, social skills, motor skills, academic performance, or adaptive living skills, you may request an evaluation at no cost to your family.

Requests must be made in writing.

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What Is Project Child Find?

Project Child Find is a statewide initiative coordinated by local school systems and the Exceptional Children Division of the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction.

Its purpose is to:

• Locate and identify children and youth from birth through age 21 who may have disabilities

• Ensure children who need special education and related services are evaluated

• Inform parents and guardians about available services through schools and community agencies

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Project Child Find is a federal mandate under IDEA, which requires that:

“All children with disabilities ages three through 21 residing in the LEA, including children who are homeless or wards of the State, regardless of the severity of their disability, and who are in need of special education and related services, are identified, located, and evaluated.”

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Who Is Eligible?

Project Child Find serves children and youth who:

• Have been diagnosed with a disability or

• Are suspected of having an intellectual, physical, learning, or emotional disability

• Are unable to fully benefit from a regular education program without additional support

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What Help Is Available?

If a child is suspected of having a disability, the following supports may be provided:

• A comprehensive evaluation to determine eligibility

• If eligible:

  • An Individualized Education Program (IEP) for children ages 3–21

  • An Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP) for children from birth to age 2

• Referrals to other agencies or community resources, when appropriate

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All evaluations and services are provided in accordance with state and federal law.

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How to Request an Evaluation

If you have questions or concerns about your child’s development or learning needs, or if you would like to request an evaluation, please contact:

Kim Kramer-Glanton, EC Lead Teacher
kkramer-glanton@riversideleadershipacademy.org