All assurances are implemented to meet the needs of special children. These assurances include Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) and Least Restrictive Environment (LRE). We locate, evaluate, and place students with disabilities. The Virginia Department of Education program standards govern identification methods, class size, and delivery of services. The local school board reviews and approves a plan annually. In turn, documentation of services is submitted to the state. The percentage of students with disabilities in West Point is similar to state and national categorical identification percentages. Specific learning disability is the highest percentage. Related services such as speech/language therapy, occupational therapy, and physical therapy are provided as required to assist a child with a disability in benefiting from special education and as outlined in the Individual Education Plan (IEP). A child may be eligible for special education and related services when evaluated, in accordance with state and federal regulations, and identified as having:

The West Point Public Schools' Local Special Education Advisory Committee (LSEAC) meets at 4:00 PM in the West Point Elementary School Library on the following dates:

Tuesday, October 8, 2024

Monday, December 2, 2024, Inclusion Action Plan Work Session (ZOOM Link to Inclusion Action Plan Work Session)

Monday, December 9, 2024 (ZOOM Link to LSEAC Meeting)

Tuesday, February 11, 2025 (ZOOM Link to LSEAC Meeting)

Tuesday, March 11, 2025 (ZOOM Link to LSEAC Meeting)

The West Point Local Special Education Advisory Committee (LSEAC) addresses issues important to special education services in the community, is appointed by the School Board, and collaborates between parents, administrators, teachers, and the School Board. Link to VDOE Local Special Education Advisory Committee Information

SEAC meetings are open to the public. Guests can comment in person or in writing using the Public Comment Form. Written comments can be emailed to SEAC members at SEAC@wpschools.net or dropped off at the West Point School Board office, 329 6th Street. 

The next SSEAC meeting will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn Richmond Airport, 441 International Center Drive, Sandston, Virginia 23150

Thursday, September 26, 2024 – 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

Friday, September 27, 2024 – 9 a.m. and Noon

The purpose of this meeting is to transact the business statutorily required or necessary to continue the operations of the SSEAC.

Public Comment: The oral public comment period is scheduled for September 26, 2024, between 1 - 1:30 p.m. Written public comment may be submitted before September 26, 2024, 7:00 a.m., by email at sseac@doe.virginia.gov. Link to VDOE State Special Education Advisory Committee

The next SSEAC meeting will be held December 5 - 6, 2024

The Code of Virginia, § 22.1-215, requires each local school division to complete and report the results of a self-assessment and action planning instrument that addresses inclusive practices once every three years, commencing no later than the start of the 2022/2023 school year. Each school division will report the results of its assessment and plans for improvement to the Virginia Department of Education (VDOE) and to the division’s superintendent, the division’s special education director, the chairs of the local school board, and the local special education advisory committee.

The state of Virginia provides each division with an Annual Performance Report (APR) based on compliance and student outcome indicators. See below for West Point's 2022/2023 data, released in August 2024.

To prepare all children for kindergarten, Virginia’s early childhood system must ensure that all children have quality teaching and learning experiences that meet their unique needs. In response to state law, Virginia has developed the Unified Virginia Quality Birth to Five System (VQB5) to measure and help improve the quality of all publicly-funded birth-to-five classrooms and support families to choose quality programming across program types.  West Point's Early Childhood (ECSE) classroom is part of this initiative. See below for a summary of our 2023/2024 performance and certificate of performance.

State and federal law requires each local educational agency (LEA), including school divisions, state-operated programs, and the Virginia School for the Deaf and Blind at Staunton, to submit an annual plan to the Virginia Department of Education for providing special education services to identified children with disabilities residing within the jurisdiction and demonstrating their funding eligibility. Each LEA must complete the Special Education Annual Plan and Application for Federal Funding.

West Point Public Schools 2024/2025 annual plan has been approved and is available for viewing by contacting the Director of Special Education, Federal Programs and Accountability at 1-804-843-4368 Ext 414. 

• Transfer of Rights for Students with Disabilities

• Notice Transfer of Rights Letter Template

• Special Education Information for Families

• SEAC Guide

• Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center

West Point Middle/High School - Ms. Jessica Gordon, Special Education and 504 Coordinator, and Special Education Parent and Family Liaison - Email Ms. Jessica Gordon

West Point Middle/High School Transition Planning and Coordination Facilitator - Email Ms. Jane Archer

West Point Elementary School - Ms. Lynette Waddey, Assistant Principal, Special Education Building Administrator - Email Ms. Lynette Waddey

West Point Public Schools Support Specialist and WPES 504 Coordinator - Dr. Tamara Freeman-Nichols - Email Dr. Tamara Freeman-Nichols

West Point Public Schools maintains an active and continuing Child Find Program designed to identify, locate, and evaluate children ages 2-21, inclusive, who are in need of special education and related services. If you suspect your child may be in need of special education services, please contact Ms. Lynette Waddey at 804-843-2030 (Up to Grade 5) or Ms. Jessica Gordon at 804-843-3630 (Grades 6 through 21, inclusive). Any child who is found eligible for special education services is entitled to a free, appropriate public education, which is designed to meet their individual needs. Special education services and programs are available through your public school division.

West Point Public Schools identifies, locates and evaluates residents ages birth to 21 who may require special education and related services. We are hosting a Child Find Clinic on Saturday, March 8th, 2025,  at the School Board Office, located at 329 6th Street. Staff will be on-site to provide screenings. If you have concerns before March 8th, please get in touch with Ms. Lynette Waddey at 804-843-2030 or Ms. Jessica Gordon at 804-843-3630

West Point Public School division provides school-based preschool services for children from two through five years of age who are children at risk and children with identified disabilities or delays. This intensive early intervention effort focuses on parent involvement and a comprehensive approach to serving young children and their families.

For more information, please contact Ms. Lynette Waddey, Assistant Principal and Building Level Special Education Administrator, at 804-843-2030 x303

WPPS 2023/2024 Special Education Annual Plan - Letter to Parents of Homeschool Students

Letter From the U. S. Department of Education Office of Special Education Programs March 11, 2022

Annual Resources for Serving Students With Sensory Disabilities (Revised October 2024)

VDOE has an Ombudsman for Special Education who acts as a source of information and referral, aids in answering individuals' questions and assists in the resolution of concerns and issues.  For more specific information related to your region or division, email Peter Grabowski, the Special Education Parent Ombudsman, or by phone at 804-371-7420