Roach

Special Education

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:

  • Autism

  • Deaf-blindness

  • Developmental Delay

  • Hearing Impairment

  • Intellectual Disability

  • Multiple Disabilities

  • Orthopedic Impairment

  • Other Health Impairment

  • Emotional Disability

  • Specific Learning Disability

  • Speech and/or Language Impairment

  • Traumatic Brain Injury

  • Visual Impairment

Local Special Education Advisory Committee (LSEAC)

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 9, 2024

Tuesday, February 11, 2025

Tuesday, March 11, 2025

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

State Special Education Advisory Committee (SSEAC)

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

Parent Resources

Division Special Education Department Leads and Coordinator

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, and Special Education Parent and Family Liaison - Email Ms. Lynette Waddey

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

Child Find

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.

Community Child Find Clinic

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

Early Childhood Education

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

Resolutions

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

2023-2024 Virginia Department of Education Parent Involvement Survey

Additional Resources and Parent Training Guides