Exceptional Children's Programs

  • The department is responsible for conducting Child Find for those students suspected of having a disability and providing appropriate educational opportunity to all children with disabilities who reside in Union County. The purpose is to ensure that all eligible children with disabilities, ages three through 21, have available to them a free appropriate public education that emphasizes special education and related services designed to meet their unique needs and prepares them for further education, employment and independent living.
     
    In order to meet the goals and address the purpose, the department provides comprehensive evaluation services to determine eligibility through Child Find. Once determined eligible by the Individualized Education Program (IEP) team, the students’ needs are addressed through the development of an individualized education program which may address cognitive, educational, physical, behavioral, communication, motor and adaptive needs of the student. Special education and related services designed to meet the students’ unique needs are administered through our programs within the various schools in our system.
     
    The EC teachers, staff and related services personnel provide specific support to students and parents with the implementation of the IEP goals and objectives. The EC staff at Central Services, which includes the Director, Assistant Director, Program Specialists and Lead personnel, support all stakeholders within UCPS including students, parents, administrators, EC teachers, staff and related service personnel.
     
    Members of the EC department are involved in many community organizations and functions. Involvement within the community includes the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, the Arc of Union/Cabarrus Counties, First in Families, Alexander Youth Network, Local Interagency Coordinating Council, the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Charlotte, Cardinal Innovations’ System of Care Collaborative and Care Review team as well as Turning Point Tree House staffing, Department of Juvenile Justice, Department of Social Services and Council on Aging Grandparent Support Group.
     
    The department works collaboratively with the 4H N.C. Cooperative Extension group as well as various community churches, businesses and organizations who wish to support our students with disabilities. Within the school system, the department meets quarterly with UCPS’ Special Needs Advisory Council (SNAC) and provide parent workshops, host the Special Olympics’ Spring Track and Field games and promote the “Yes, I Can” awards within the individual schools.

  • Cardinal Innovations Heathcare UCPS Parent Night 2021

    Cardinal Innovations Healthcare Member Engagement and the EC School Social Work Department will host a virtual information session to provide resources to help families and stakeholders to access and understand services offered for those who have children with special needs.

    This is a once a month Zoom Meeting based on school clusters but you can join any meeting based on your schedule. 

    For more information about Cardinal Innovations' parent night    (English)     (Spanish)
    Comments (-1)

  • Powerful Tools for Caregivers

    Powerful Tools for Caregivers classes help caregivers take better care of themselves while caring for a child with special needs at home or in a care facility. Whether down the block or miles away, you play an important role. This course is for family care givers like you!

    The classes give you tools to help:
    • Reduce stress
    • Improve self-confidence
    • Manage time, set goals, and solve problems
    • Better communicate your feelings
    • Make tough decisions
    • Locate helpful resources

    This six-week class series, held once a week, gives you the confidence and support to better care for your loved one – and yourself. By taking care of your own health and well-being, you become a better caregiver.

    First session starts on September 17th
    7pm - 8:30 pm Thursday Evenings

    For more information about Powerful Tools for Caregivers
    Comments (-1)

  • Union County Public Schools values the feedback of our students, parents and staff.  In an effort to continue high quality, rigorous learning experiences and social-emotional support for students, the school district has partnered with Panorama Education to administer a survey to 3rd – 12th graders. The survey window is Sept. 28 – Oct. 8 and will take approximately 20 minutes to complete. The link will be sent via Canvas and students will need their Student ID for access. Panorama safeguards student privacy and all responses will be kept confidential. 

    Click HERE to review survey questions.
    Comments (-1)
Vacant

Dr. Laura Beachum - Director of Exceptional Children's Programs

  • Phone:  704-296-6370  Fax:  704-282-2073