Falls Church City Public Schools provides a continuum of services for eligible students with disabilities, PreK through age 21, who are determined eligible to receive special education services.

Welcome to the Falls Church City Public Schools Special Education Parent Resources page, a dedicated space designed to empower and support parents navigating the special education process. Here, families will find a wealth of valuable information, from expert guidance on a variety of topics including Individualized Education Program (IEP) development to practical tips for advocating for your child's educational needs to life after high school. FCCPS team members are committed to equipping parents with the knowledge and tools they need to ensure their child receives the best possible education.

FCCPS follows the Virginia Administrative Code - Title 8. Education - Agency 20. State Board of Education - Chapter 81. Regulations Governing Special Education Programs for Children with Disabilities in Virginia to ensure the highest quality special education services are provided. 

Important Documents for Parents/Guardians:

• The Virginia Family's Guide to Special Education (PDF) 

• Spanish: Guía de Educación Especial para las Familias de Virginia 

• Your Family's Special Education Rights--VDOE (English)

• Your Family's Special Education Rights--VDOE (Spanish)

Parents who need support with special education should always start at the school level for support.

1. Classroom Teachers Your student’s classroom teacher is always the best place to begin. Then…

2. IEP Case Manager They can answer IEP questions and help resolve instructional concerns. Then…

3. Special Education Administrator Each building has a dedicated person to help with special education parent concerns that can’t be addressed at the classroom level. Then…

4. Building Principal They are there help support parents with all building level and student specific concerns. Then…

5. Central Office Contact if not able to be addressed or resolved at the building level.

Pursuant to HB1089 and SB220, passed by the 2024 Session of the General Assembly, every local school division is required to identify a faculty member who will serve as its special education parent/family liaison. The liaison will be a resource to parents and families to understand and engage in the special education referral, evaluation, reevaluation, and eligibility and Individualized Education Program (IEP) process. The FCCPS contacts are:

• Angelina Prestipino, Director of Specialized Instruction & Behavior Supports prestipinoa@fccps.org

• Rebecca Sharp, Executive Director of Special Education & Student Services rsharp@fccps.org