Navigating the landscape of services and resources for children with special needs in Columbia, Tennessee, requires understanding the processes of evaluation, diagnosis, and the support systems available through TennCare, the Maury County School District, and various state programs. Below is a detailed overview to assist parents in Middle Tennessee.
Evaluation and Diagnosis of Special Needs in Tennessee
- Initial Evaluation Process: If a child is suspected of having a disability, parents or educators can request a comprehensive evaluation through the local education agency (LEA). This assessment determines the child’s eligibility for special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). Tennessee Government
- Evaluation Participants: The evaluation team typically includes:
- The child’s parents or guardians.
- General education teachers.
- Special education teachers.
- Related service providers (e.g., speech therapists, psychologists).
- Eligibility Criteria: Tennessee recognizes several disability categories, including autism, developmental delay, emotional disturbance, intellectual disability, and specific learning disabilities. Each category has specific criteria that must be met for a child to qualify for services. Tennessee Government
TennCare and Support Services
- TennCare Overview: TennCare is Tennessee’s Medicaid program, providing health insurance to eligible children and adults. For children under 21, TennCare Kids offers comprehensive health screenings and services. Tennessee Government
- Katie Beckett Program: This program serves children under 18 with disabilities and/or complex medical needs who don’t qualify for traditional TennCare due to family income. It offers two tiers of support:
- Tier 1: Provides full Medicaid services to children with the most significant needs.
- Tier 2: Offers up to $10,000 annually for medical expenses not covered by insurance. Tennessee Government
Maury County Public Schools Special Education Services
- Special Education Department: Maury County Public Schools (MCPS) offers a range of services for students with disabilities, including individualized education programs (IEPs) tailored to each child’s needs. Maury County Public Schools
- Contact Information:
- Director of Special Populations: Lesli Crawford
- Phone: 931-388-8403
- Address: 501 West 8th Street, Columbia, TN 38401 Maury County Public Schools
- Director of Special Populations: Lesli Crawford
Resources for Parents
- TNSTEP (Tennessee Special Education Support Center): Provides training and resources to parents navigating special education services.
- Website: https://tnstep.info/
- Phone: 423-639-0125
- Family Engagement in Special Education – Tennessee: A collaborative project offering support to families involved in special education.
- Website: https://familyengagementtn.com/
- Phone: 833-596-1553
- Email: specialeducation@thearctn.org Family Engagement Tennessee
- Tennessee Disability Pathfinder: Offers free information, resources, support, and referrals to Tennesseans with disabilities.
- Website: https://www.tnpathfinder.org/
- Phone: 1-800-640-4636
- Email: tnpathfinder@vumc.org Kid Central TN
- Children’s Special Services (CSS): Provides medical care and coordination for children with chronic physical disabilities from birth to 21 years.
- Website: https://www.tn.gov/health/health-program-areas/fhw/children-s-special-services-css.html
- Phone: 615-741-7353
- Email: FHW.Health@tn.gov Tennessee Government
Support for Working Parents
- Flexible Scheduling: Employers may offer flexible work arrangements to accommodate parents’ needs for attending medical appointments and school meetings.
- Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA): Eligible parents can take unpaid leave for family and medical reasons, including caring for a child with a serious health condition.
- Work-from-Home Opportunities: Some employers provide remote work options, allowing parents to balance work and caregiving responsibilities more effectively.
Financial Considerations
- Supplemental Security Income (SSI): Provides financial assistance to children with disabilities from low-income families.
- Tax Credits: Parents may be eligible for tax credits, such as the Child and Dependent Care Credit, to offset expenses related to caring for a child with special needs.
- State Assistance Programs: Tennessee offers various programs to support families with children with special needs, including respite care and financial aid.
Additional Resources
- KidCentral TN: A resource for Tennessee families, providing information on children’s health, education, development, and support services.
- Website: https://www.kidcentraltn.com/
