Exceptional Child Education

At the Russellville Independent School District (RISD), our Exceptional Child Education (ECE) Department is dedicated to meeting the individual needs of students ages 3 through 21 who are eligible for special education and related services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). We are committed to providing comprehensive support to ensure every student with disabilities can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Personalized Support and Assessment

We understand that every student is unique, and our approach reflects this understanding. Our department assists with assessments to determine special education eligibility and works closely with each student’s Admissions and Release Committee (ARC). The ARC meets annually to review progress and develop a new Individual Education Program (IEP) tailored to each student's specific needs. We offer a full continuum of services, ranging from the least restrictive to more restrictive environments, to best support each student’s learning journey.

Collaborative Approach

Our ECE Department thrives on collaboration with students, schools, families, and the community. Together, we aim to enhance the academic performance and overall development of students with disabilities. By fostering strong partnerships, we ensure a holistic approach to each student's education.

Comprehensive Programs and Services

Our programs are designed to meet the diverse needs of students with educational disabilities. We provide services in both comprehensive and special education facilities, employing a range of programs, techniques, methods, and materials for individualized instruction. This personalized approach helps us address various aspects of student development, including academic, social/emotional, and transition needs—whether transitioning to a different academic program, progressing from one level to another, or starting a career.

Individual Education Program (IEP) Goals

Each student’s IEP goals are meticulously developed to support their academic achievements, social and emotional growth, and successful transitions. Our services cater to a wide range of disabilities, including but not limited to:

• Autism (U)
• Deaf and Hard of Hearing (HI)
• Deaf/Blind (V)
• Developmental Delay (DD)
• Emotional-Behavioral Disability (EBD)
• Functional Mental Disability (FMD)
• Mild Mental Disability (MMD)
• Multiple Disability (MD)
• Physical Disability and Other Health Impairment (PDOHI)
• Specific Learning Disability (SLD)
• Speech or Language Impairment (S/L)
• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
• Visual Impairment (VI)

At the RISD ECE Department, we are dedicated to creating an inclusive and supportive educational environment where every student with disabilities can reach their full potential. Together, we will empower our students to succeed and achieve their dreams.

Welcome to our ECE community, where every child's unique abilities are recognized, supported, and celebrated!

• Kentucky Administrative Regulations for Special Education Programs (KARs)
• Procedural Safeguards from the Center for Parent Information and Resources (CPIR): IDEA’s exact language and a user-friendly summary (English) and Derechos de los Padres bajo IDEA (Spanish) from CPIR 
• Parent and Family Toolbox (KDE)