Board told state model special-education policies extend developmental-delay eligibility through a child’s 10th birthday

The Amherst Exempted Village Board of Education was told the state has updated its model policies and procedures for special education, including a change to the developmental-delay eligibility category that extends eligibility through a child’s 10th birthday.

An assistant superintendent explained the update was intended to align local practice with state and federal law, remove outdated definitions and help students who are transitioning from preschool to kindergarten but whose development is behind peers. “This has been a really great update,” the assistant superintendent said, adding the broader age range helps catch students who otherwise might not qualify for services.

The nut graf: extending the developmental-delay category through a child’s 10th birthday (covering ages 3–9) may increase the number of students eligible for early intervention and special-education supports at the point of kindergarten entry and shortly thereafter.

The assistant superintendent said the district will place the revised language on the agenda as Exhibit 11 d for adoption. Board materials and a separate update were provided to members for review.

On the same consent block, the board moved to approve educational recommendations (items 11 a through 11 g), a routine set of personnel and program items; those items passed on the recorded roll call.

Ending: The board adopted updated special-education model policies as presented on the consent agenda; staff said additional materials were provided for board review and implementation planning.