In compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Improvement Act of 2004 (IDEA), Sunshine Elementary School, under the oversight of Limestone Charter Association, is responsible for locating, identifying, and evaluating any student enrolled who is known or suspected to have a disability. This responsibility applies to all students, including those who are experiencing homelessness. Disabilities may include, but are not limited to: developmental delay, intellectual disability, emotional disability, speech or language impairment, hearing loss or deafness, visual impairment, deaf-blindness, orthopedic impairment, other health impairment, traumatic brain injury, autism, and multiple disabilities.

A request for an evaluation, referred to as a referral, may be made by school staff members or parents/guardians who have reason to believe a student may have a disability. Staff members who suspect a disability have a legal obligation to make a referral. Before submitting a referral, the individual must inform the student’s parent or guardian that the referral will be made.

When a referral is received, Hosre Creek Academy will assemble an Evaluation Planning Team to determine if the student requires an evaluation for special education. While the school offers academic and behavioral interventions for struggling students, these supports cannot be used to delay or deny an evaluation request.

Referrals must be submitted in writing and should clearly state the reason for suspecting a disability. Referral forms can be requested by contacting Mrs. Ivey Savage at isavage@hcacs.net or 803-646-1273.