Special Education is a service which supports children 3 – 21 years of age who meet eligibility guidelines in the following areas: Autism, Deaf/Blind, Deaf/Hard of Hearing, Emotional Behavioral Disorder, Intellectual Disability, Orthopedic Impairment, Other Health Impaired, Significantly Developmentally Delayed, Speech/Language Impairment, Traumatic Brain Injury, and Visual Impairment. Special Education services are provided in all school systems in Georgia and are free of charge to parents.

A student may be eligible to receive services in one or more of the following categories:

• Autism

• Deaf/Blind

• Deaf/Hard Hearing

• Emotional Behavior Disorder

• Intellectual Disability

• Orthopedic Impairment

• Other Health Impairment

• Significantly Developmentally Delayed

• Specific Learning Disability

• Speech Language Impairment

• Traumatic Brain Injury

• Visual Impairment

It is the belief of the Valdosta City Schools System that students with disabilities shall be provided with real and valid opportunities to learn through the use of research-based instruction, supportive services, supplemental aids and supports, including ongoing training for teachers, in order to ensure that all students have an opportunity to learn and demonstrate what they know. If you suspect that your child may have a disability, please contact the Valdosta City Schools Department of Special Education.

Special education programs need to be individualized to meet the needs of the given student. Students with special needs are assessed to determine their specific strengths and weaknesses. A student’s goals and services are determined on the basis of the student’s need.