Harrisonburg City Public Schools offers specialized instruction to children aged 2-5 with an identified disability.

If you have concerns about your child's development and suspect he or she may have a disability, contact the HCPS Child Find Coordinator Karen Lindberg or Special Education Director Alison Shaner at 540.434.2752 or the HCPS Welcome Center at 540.433.3644.

What happens next?  A school employee will contact you to schedule a Child Study meeting with school specialists to discuss your concerns.

Should I bring my child to the meeting? Yes!  One of our specialists will play with your child and screen his/her communication, cognitive, motor and socio-emotional skills.

Then what?  If the Child Study team suspects your child has a disability, your signed permission will allow the team to do an evaluation.  Results will be shared with you within 65 days at an Eligibility Meeting.

What is an Eligibility Meeting?  When all testing is completed the team will come together to share the results with you.  Specific criteria will determine if your child is eligible for Special Education services.

What if my child is eligible? If eligible, an Individual Education Plan (IEP) will be developed within 30 days.

What is an IEP? An IEP is an Individualized Education Plan that determines the placement and services for children with disabilities.  Children are integrated into general education preschool classrooms as much as possible and most of our preschool teachers are certified in both general and Special Education.

Where will my child receive the specialized services? Depending on the age and specific needs of your child, services may be provided: 

• in your home
• in a half-day or full day Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) classroom in a school
• through periodic visits to a regular preschool classroom in a "push-in" model
• fully included in a general education preschool classroom
• in an individual or small group communication class