Exceptional Students Program

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) mandates educational agencies to locate, identify and evaluate all individuals with disabilities who may be in need of special education and related services. Students under the age of 22 identified as a student with a disability receive their education in the Division of Institutions at North Carolina Correctional Institution for Women in Raleigh, Granville Correctional Institution in Butner, Richmond Correctional Institution in Hoffman, or Foothills Correctional Institution in Morganton.

The Department of Adult Correction adheres to the guidelines set forth in Procedures Governing Programs and Services for Children with Disabilities. Upon entering correctional facilities, incarcerated individuals are screened in a diagnostic center. The admission process includes an interview of the incarcerated individual by a case manager to collect additional information that may indicate a need for further screening. If the screening process reveals that a student who is 21 or less has academic deficits, functional deficits and/or behavioral problems, a referral to the School Assistance Team (SAT) is generated. The SAT team collects additional information including, but not limited to, public school records, classroom performance, admission test performance, infraction records, and mental health information.

After reviewing this information, the SAT determines whether to refer the student to the Individualized Education Program team for more testing. When the team refers a student for more testing, permission is obtained from the incarcerated individual (if he/she has reached the age of majority) or his/her parent(s)/guardian/custodian. Once all evaluations have been completed, the team determines the student’s eligibility for special education services.

If the team determines the student is eligible for Exceptional Student Program (ESP) services, the team develops an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) to meet the academic, functional performance and/or behavior needs of the student, and consent for placement is obtained from the student (if he/she has reached age of majority) or the parent(s)/guardian/custodian of the student. Incarcerated individuals who are identified as requiring English as a Second Language (ESL) or a 504 plan (accommodations or services) go through a different specialized screening process:

Project Child Find

The Exceptional Children Division of the North Carolina Department of Public Instruction looks for all incarcerated individuals ages birth through 21 with special needs who may not be receiving the help needed.

For MORE information regarding Child Find, or if you suspect your student may have a disability and need special education and/or related services, please contact Polycarp Omollo, Federal Programs Coordinator, at polycarp.omollo@ncdps.gov or 984-255-6159.