Special Education Department

Providing individualized learning opportunities to students

Special Education Mission

Mission

Our mission is to provide specially designed instruction to meet the unique needs of students with disabilities. 

Special Education Vision

Vision

We strive to adapt, as necessary, to meet the unique and appropriate needs of any eligible student, the content, methodology, or delivery of instruction and to ensure access of the child to the general curriculum. 

Special Education Vision

Services

  • Early Childhood Special Education (ECSE)

  • Mainstream. Resource, and Inclusion Supports

  • Life Skills Program

  • Post-High School Services

  • 18+ Transition Service Program

  • Transition Services

  • Regional Day School Program for the Deaf

  • Related Services such as OT, PT and VI

  • Speech Services

Referring a Student for Special Education Services

Disabilities of various kinds often befall our children through injury, disease, or birth defects. Early intervention is crucial in helping these children reach their full potential. Children, ages from birth through 21, may be eligible for special services if they have significant delays in motor skills, speech, learning, vision, behavior, self-help skills, or serious hearing loss. To refer any child who resides in the Chapel Hill Independent School District or for any questions about the referral process, call Brandy Starks at (903) 566-2441 ext. 1950 or (903) 566-2441 and ask for the district Special Education office.

Child Find Documents:     

Child Find

Parent/Guardian

Click Below to Refer a Child for Special Education Services

This will send an e-mail to the director of Special Programs. Please include your child's name, date of birth, and grade level.  Please also include your name, phone number, and a brief description of any concerns that you are having about your child.

Búsqueda de niños

Padres/Madre/Tutores

Haga clic a continuación para referir a un niño para los servicios de educación especial

Al usar este sistema se va enviar un correo electrónico al director de Programas Especiales. Por favor, incluya el nombre de su hijo, fecha de nacimiento, y el nivel de grado. También incluya su nombre, número de teléfono y una breve descripción de cualquier inquietud que tenga sobre su hijo.

Child Find

Staff Only

Child Find (Special Education) Referral Request

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State Grant for Non-FAPE Special Education Services

Families with eligible students served by special education, could qualify to receive a one-time online grant of $1,500 to purchase goods and services through the TEA Supplemental Special Education Services (SSES) program.

Forms:

Resources:

Student-Centered Transition Network Resources: Click here to view and access.

Records Request:

To comply with Texas Education Agency regulations, the Chapel Hill Independent School District Special Education Office will transmit all record requests electronically through the TREx system. If a school district is located out of state and needs records, please contact Brandy Starks or 903-566-2441 to request special education records. A district may also request records through Frontline SPM (eSped, V3, Success Ed).

News & Updates

SB 139 Notice to Families

In 2019, the 86th Texas Legislature passed Senate Bill 139 (SB 139), which requires Texas local education agencies (LEAs) to distribute a notice to parents containing the following information:

  • Changes were made from 2016 to 2017 in reporting requirements for LEAs regarding special education enrollment in the Performance-Based Monitoring Analysis System.

  • The rights of a child regarding the provision of special education services under both state and federal law.

  • The process and procedures for initiating a referral for evaluation for special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and TEC Sec. 29.004.

  • Where to find local policies and procedures for initiating a referral for evaluation under IDEA.

Please view the notice: English | Spanish

The Special Education Information Center (SPEDTex) provides resources and interactive features for increasing family awareness of disabilities and special education processes, with the goal of improving partnerships between schools and families.

SPEDTEX logo

Meet the Team

Blaire Buchanan
Director of Special Programs

Photo of Mrs. Starks

Brandy Starks
Admin Asst. Director/Evaluation Staff

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Christina Hyde
Special Programs Coordinator

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Kendra Johnson
Admin. Asst/Purchasing & Materials Clerk