In keeping with state and federal laws, no child with a particular need can be denied an education because of the nature or the severity of their disability. Learning Support Services serves scholars from birth to age 26, as these laws require. The department offers various mandated programs and services for students with disabilities. It provides complete and individual evaluation by certified and highly qualified psychologists, social workers, speech therapists, and other ancillary staff for any student with a disability.

• School social workers direct interventions with students, families, and the educational community and act as advocates for scholars with special needs.

• School psychologists are trained to administer psychological tests, interpret the results, and make recommendations regarding eligibility for programs and services. They are instrumental in suggesting interventions and providing assistance in monitoring the progress of teachers and scholars.

MI-ACCESS is the alternate assessment program developed by the Michigan Department of Education to assess scholars with disabilities who require an alternate assessment and/or accommodation as determined by their Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Continuum of Services provides a variety of programs and settings to meet the individual needs of eligible students. Special Education categories include cognitive impairment, hearing impairment, early childhood developmental delays, and emotional impairment.

Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) formerly Early Childhood Developmental Delay (ECDD)

Through a blend of specialized instruction, therapeutic interventions, and inclusive activities, we aim to foster a love of learning, enhance developmental milestones, and ensure a smooth transition into kindergarten. Together, we are committed to building a foundation of success for our youngest learners, empowering them to overcome obstacles and thrive in their educational journey. Join us in making a difference in the lives of our children. Every step forward is a step towards a brighter future. #FlintStrong #EarlyLearning #InclusiveEducation

Transition Planning

Transition planning is the process of preparing a student for the completion of his/her school program and moving into adulthood. This planning begins at age fourteen and continues until graduation.

Certified Classroom Teachers for Students with Disabilities

Highly qualified, certified teachers of students with disabilities provide both push-in and pull-out services to ensure that students receive specialized instruction, as well as access to the general education curriculum, to successfully progress toward meeting their IEP goals and objectives.

Each district must declare which process they will use to identify students with a specific learning disability. Flint Community Schools has chosen to use the Patterns of Strengths and Weakness to identify students with a Specific Learning Disability. The Michigan Department of Education has issued further guidance through the OSEP 11-07 memo.

Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE) is a program for children ages 3–5 with disabilities that provides specialized instruction and support: 

• Eligibility

  Children may be eligible for ECSE if they have concerns about their communication, social/emotional, fine motor, or gross motor skills. 

• Services

  ECSE services can include speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, and social work. 

• Settings

  ECSE services can be provided in a variety of settings, including pre-kindergarten classrooms, homes, and community settings. 

• Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)

  ECSE teachers and professional staff work with parents to develop IEPs to meet each child's unique needs. 

• Free and appropriate public education (FAPE)

  Eligible children are entitled to receive FAPE in the least restrictive environment (LRE).