Special Services

The Office of Special Services currently serves students in Marion County School District through various programs.  Programs administered through the Office of Special Services include; Special Education, Section 504 of the Vocational Rehabilitation Act, Medicaid Programs, Medical Homebound, Nursing Services, Student Attendance/Truancy, and Family Literacy.

Special Education The federal law, The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) grants all children from ages 3 to 21, whose disabilities require specialized services, the right to a free, public, appropriate education. The disabilities recognized under IDEA include speech or language, hearing, visual, orthopedic and other health impairments, mental retardation, learning disabilities, emotional disturbance, autism and traumatic brain injury. All students served under IDEA have an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) and the right to be educated in the least restrictive environment.

Section 504 Section 504 of The Vocational Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1973 allows for accommodations for students with disabling conditions. Students in regular education who are eligible under Section 504 have a written Individual Accommodation Plan (IAP). This law is governed by the Office of Civil Rights.

Medicaid Programs The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (SCDHHS) provides Medicaid reimbursement for medically necessary services provided to Medicaid-eligible students enrolled in Marion County School District. This includes, but is not limited to, children under the age of 21 who have or are at risk of developing sensory, emotional, behavioral, or social impairments, physical disabilities, medical conditions, developmental disabilities or delays.

Medical Homebound Medical homebound instruction is provided for students with and without disabilities who cannot attend school for a medical reason - a mental or physical condition that exists due to an accident, an illness, or pregnancy - even when transportation is furnished.  The goal of homebound instruction is to provide continuity of instruction and to facilitate the student's return to a regular school setting as quickly as possible. 

Nursing Services Nursing services are provided for students In Marion County School District in order to appraise, protect, and promote health. These services are designed to insure: access and/or referral top primary health care services, foster appropriate use of primary health care services, prevent and control communicable disease and other health problems, provide emergency care for illness or injury, promote and provide optimum sanitary conditions for a safe school facility and school environment, and provide educational and counseling opportunities for the promotion and maintenance of individual, family, and community health.

Student Attendance/Truancy The Marion County School District Board of Trustees believes that attendance is a key factor in student achievement.  Any absence form school represents an educational loss to the student.  All students between the ages of five and seventeen must attend school regularly and adhere to South Carolina and Marion County School District policies regarding school attendance and truancy.