Exceptional Children
Early County Program for Exceptional Children
Marva Smith-Mincey
Director of Early County Program for Exceptional Children
Phone: 229-723-4337 Ext. 8185
Fax: 229-723-3932
The Early County Program for Exceptional Children is committed to providing high-quality, individualized support for students with disabilities. Our team works closely with families, teachers, and specialists to create inclusive learning environments that meet each child’s unique needs. Through a range of services, from early intervention to transition planning, we strive to empower every student to reach their full potential—academically, socially, and emotionally.
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The Early County School System, in accordance with regulations outlined in the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), seeks to ensure that all individuals (ages 3 – 21) within its jurisdiction who are suspected of having a disability and may be in need of special education and related services are identified, located and evaluated. This includes those who are attending private and homeschool.
If you know of an individual who you suspect of having a disability and who has not already been found eligible for services, please contact Mrs. Marva Smith-Mincey. -
Parents of current or former minor ECSS students and ECSS current or former students who are 18 or older may request records from the Early County Program for Exceptional Children.
- School Districts requesting records should submit the request via email to Marva Smith-Mincey at msmith mincey@early.k12.ga.us AND Jessica Hancock at jhancock@early.k12.ga.us. Requests can also be FAXED to 229-723-3932.
- Parents or former students requesting records to be released directly to them should submit the Notice/Authorization to Release Information Form or make an electronic request online at this link: Authorization to Release Records.
- All requests for Exceptional Children records must be made in writing and emailed to Marva Smith-Mincey at msmith-mincey@early.k12.ga.us AND jhancock@early.k12.ga.us. Requests can also be made in person at Early County Elementary School.
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Notice of Special Education Records Retention and Destruction
The Early County Program for Exceptional Children (ECPEC) maintains special education records for individuals previously served by the program. These records are retained in accordance with the Education section of the Georgia Archives guidelines.
How to Request Records
Parents, legal guardians, or the individuals previously served may request their records by contacting the ECPEC.
- Timeline: Requests must be made at least 45 days prior to the individual’s 22nd birthday.
- Requirement: A signed release form is required before any records can be disclosed.
?? Important Notice: In accordance with retention policies, any records not explicitly requested may be permanently destroyed upon the individual's 22nd birthday.
Records Eligible for Retention (Until Age 22)
The following records are maintained by the program until the individual's 22nd birthday:
- Psychological Evaluations and Testing Protocols
- Eligibility Determinations
- Consent (or Revocation of Consent) for Special Education and Related Services
- Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)
- Speech, Medical, and Related Service Records (if applicable)
Contact Information
If you have any questions or would like to initiate a records request, please reach out to our office:
Early County Program for Exceptional Children
283 Martin Luther King, Jr Blvd
Blakely, GA 39823
FAX: 229-723-3932
Marva Smith-Mincey, Director ~ Phone: 229-723-2970
Jessica Hancock, Administrative Assistant ~ Phone: 229-724-513
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Graduation: Keeping Your High School Student on a Path to Graduation
Graduation: Keeping Your Middle School Student on a Path to Graduation
Graduation: Making Sure your Elementary School Child Starts on a Path Towards High School Graduation
Graduation: Making Sure your Preschooler Starts on a Path Towards High School Graduation
Helping Your Child with Disabilities with Homework
Individualized Education Program (IEP)
Preparing Your Child with Disabilities for Kindergarten
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Autism (Au)
Deafblind
Deaf/Hard of Hearing (DHH)
Emotional and Behavioral Disorder (EBD)
Intellectual Disability (Mild - MID, Moderate - MOID, Severe - SID, Profound - PID)
Orthopedic Impairment(OI)
Other Health Impairment (OHI)
Significant Developmental Delay (SDD)
Specific Learning Disability (SLD)
Speech-Language Impairment (SI)
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Visual Impairment (VI)
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Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 is a federal law that ensures students with disabilities have equal access to education. Under Section 504, eligible students may receive accommodations and support services designed to meet their individual needs and help them succeed in the general education setting. Early County Schools is committed to identifying, evaluating, and providing appropriate support for students protected under this important civil rights law.
Please check out the following resources for more information regarding Section 504:
Early County 504 Plan Guidelines and Procedures
GaDOE Procedural Safeguards and Regulations for Parent and Student Rights Under Section 504
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
United States Department of Education Office of Civil Rights (OCR)
Parent and Educator Resource Guide to Section 504 in Elementary and Secondary Schools