Department of Exceptional Children

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    Mission Statement
    The mission of the app County Schools' Department for Exceptional Children is to ensure that children and youth with disabilities develop educationally, socially, emotionally, and vocationally through the provision of a free, appropriate education and related services in the least restrictive environment.

    Current DEC initiatives include: 
    • Implementation of NC State Improvement Project Grant for Reading, Math, Co-Teaching, and Adolescent Literacy
    • Child Find
    • Nonviolent Crisis Intervention-CPI
    • Post Secondary Transition Program-app Links Program
    • Coaching Initiative for all EC apps

      to visit the N.C. Department of Public Instruction Exceptional Children website. 
     

Contact

  • Judy Leahy
    Executive Director, Exceptional Children 
    704.866.6160
     
    Amanda Hulse
    ahhulse@gaston.k12.nc.us
    Exceptional Children Director of Curriculum and Instruction
    704-866-6173
     
    Jennifer Poulsen
    Exceptional Children Director of Compliance and Accountability
    704-861-2494
     
    Preschool Evaluation/Referral Team
    704-866-6081 (Office)
    704-866-6220 (fax)
     
    Private School Referral Contact: 
    Joy Hilliard
    704-866-6160
     
    Advisory Board for Children with Disabilities (ABCD Board)