Wake County Enhances Special Education Services With New Care Coordinators

Wake County Schools is making significant strides in supporting special education, with a focus on serving 5,811 children. During a recent Community Engagement Committee meeting, officials highlighted the importance of collaboration with special education teams, acknowledging a gap in services that needed to be addressed over the past five years.

To enhance support, Wake County government has allocated four dedicated care coordinators who work closely with special education teams. This initiative aims to improve the integration of services for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and long-term needs.

The meeting also showcased the success of the district's award-winning crisis program. With liaisons embedded at key facilities like WakeMed and UNC, the program ensures that the school system receives daily updates on students in crisis. This proactive approach allows for better communication with parents and facilitates smoother transitions for students returning to school.

The efforts align with the 2020 school-based mental health policy, which emphasizes the importance of supporting children in crisis. Representative Sydney Batch highlighted the collaborative work being done, underscoring the commitment to providing comprehensive care for students in need.

As Wake County Schools continues to strengthen its support for special education, the focus remains on fostering a system of care that bridges schools and community resources, ensuring that every child receives the help they need to thrive.