Eight children's hands painted in bright colors with smiley faces on the palms.

Exceptional Children

Director of Exceptional Children
Mrs. Megan Pollard
828-733-6006 ext. 1511

EC Administrative Assistant
Ms. Amanda Guy
828-733-6006 ext. 1501

Preschool EC Itinerant
Mrs. Cassie Hoge Holland
828-733-4911 ext. 2529

2023-2024 EC Teacher of Excellence

Ms. Hannah Rhodes, Newland Elementary

2022-2023 EC Teacher of Excellence

Mrs. Amanda Bentley, Banner Elk Elementary

2021-2022 EC Teacher of Excellence

Mrs. Drema Morris, Freedom Trail Elementary

Our Mission

Avery County Schools, through supportive relationships with students, parents and community, will provide specially designed instruction to children with a broad spectrum of abilities and disabilities, striving to promote their cognitive, physical, social/emotional, and vocational development.

Our Vision    

Avery County Schools will become a national model of rural education.

Goal Statement

The goal of the Avery County Schools Exceptional Children's Department is to educate children with disabilities and foster their independence, enabling them to become contributing and productive citizens.

Public Schools of North Carolina Exceptional Children's Division

Policies Governing Services for Children with Disabilities

Child Find Policy: NC 1501-2.9

(a) General.

(1) The LEA must have in effect policies and procedures that ensure that--

(i) All children with disabilities three through 21 residing in the LEA, including children who are homeless children or are wards of the State, regardless of the severity of their disability, and who are in need of special education and related services, are identified, located, and evaluated;

(ii) All children with disabilities three through 21 parentally placed in a private school located in the LEA, regardless of the severity of their disability, and who are in need of special education and related services, are identified, located, and evaluated; and

(iii) A practical method is developed and implemented to determine which children are currently receiving needed special education and related services.

The North Carolina Infant-Toddler Program provides support and services for families and their children, birth to three who have special needs. For information about early intervention services for children under 3 years old please visit this website or call your local Children’s Developmental Services Agency at 828-265-5391.