Programs and Related Services

Exceptional Children’s Services Overview

The Roanoke Rapids Graded School District is committed to providing a continuum of services that meet the unique needs of students with disabilities. Below are descriptions of the service delivery models and supports available:

Resource Setting

This is a separate, remedial classroom where students with disabilities receive direct, specialized instruction, academic remediation, and assistance with classwork, homework, and related assignments. Support may be provided individually or in small groups, based on student needs.

Regular Education/Co-Teaching Model

In this inclusive setting, students receive specialized instruction within the general education classroom. An Exceptional Children (EC) teacher collaborates with the general education teacher to address a student’s specific areas of need, ensuring access to grade-level content with appropriate accommodations and supports.

Self-Contained ECS Classroom

This specialized classroom serves students with significant cognitive and/or adaptive behavior challenges. Students may also have physical, communication, or developmental delays. EC teachers provide highly individualized instruction, including:

  • Modified curriculum based on Extended Content Standards

  • Support in social skills, executive functioning, behavioral strategies, and daily living activities

  • Accommodations such as extra processing time, repetition, and task modification

Many students in this setting require lifelong support, and teachers coordinate services with community agencies. The classroom is staffed with an EC teacher and teaching assistant(s), with some students also supported by a 1:1 assistant. Students often participate in secondary transition programs, including vocational training.

Homebound Instruction

Homebound is a highly restrictive educational setting, used when a student is unable to attend school due to a serious medical condition. Services are typically short-term and may take place in the student’s home or another appropriate location in the community. Instruction is individualized and based on the student’s current educational plan.

Occupational Course of Study (OCS)

The OCS pathway is designed for high school students with disabilities who require substantial instructional support and accommodations to access grade-level content. This course of study focuses on preparing students for independent adult living and employment. The program includes:

  1. Academic coursework aligned with state standards

  2. School and community-based work experiences

  3. A comprehensive Career Portfolio

The OCS program is determined appropriate by the student’s IEP team and emphasizes job readiness, skill development, and integration into the working community after graduation.

Behavior Support Program

This program is designed for students whose behavioral challenges significantly impact their learning. A collaborative team—consisting of general education teachers, EC staff, and support personnel—provides behavior-focused instruction and interventions. All students in the program have a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) and a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP) that identify causes of behavior and strategies for positive change. Students continue to access the general education curriculum with necessary supports.

Related Services

Related services are provided to ensure students with disabilities can access and benefit from their educational programs. These services may include, but are not limited to:

  • Speech/language therapy

  • Occupational therapy

  • Physical therapy

  • Vision and auditory services

  • Medical and transportation services

Eligibility and services are determined through the IEP process.