Our Special Services Department (SSD) includes Child Find, Early Childhood Education, Special Education including Transition, Section 504, Gifted and Talented, and Accountability.

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that affords parents the right to have access to their children’s education records, the right to seek to have the records amended, and the right to have some control over the disclosure of personally identifiable information from the education records. When a student turns 18 years old, or enters a postsecondary institution at any age, the rights under FERPA transfer from the parents to the student (“eligible student”). The FERPA statute is found at 20 U.S.C. § 1232g and the FERPA regulations are found at 34 CFR Part 99

For PCSD FERPA Policy please click HERE

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a federal law that ensures students with disabilities have the right to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) tailored to their unique needs. IDEA requires public schools to identify, evaluate, and provide services to eligible children from birth through age 21. The law is divided into parts: Part C covers early intervention services for infants and toddlers (birth to age 3), and Part B covers special education services for children and youth (ages 3–21). IDEA guarantees important rights for parents and students, including participation in educational decisions, individualized planning through an IEP, and access to services that prepare students for further education, employment, and independent living.

Procedural safeguards are the legal rights that protect students with disabilities and their parents under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). These safeguards ensure that parents are involved in decisions about their child’s education and that schools follow fair processes.

They include rights such as:

• Receiving notice before any changes to your child’s special education services

• Giving or denying consent for evaluations and services

• Accessing your child’s educational records

• Disagreeing with school decisions and requesting mediation, a complaint investigation, or a due process hearing

Procedural safeguards are designed to make sure your child receives a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) and that your voice is always part of the decision-making process.

To see attachment in English click here: Parent Rights-Procedural Safeguards

To see attachment in Spanish click here: Parent rights-Procedural Safeguards, Spanish

Early Intervention Services in Nevada provide support for infants and toddlers from birth to age three who have developmental delays or disabilities. These services help families promote their child’s growth in areas such as communication, movement, learning, and social-emotional development. Supports are provided in natural settings—like the home or childcare—and are tailored to each child’s unique needs through an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP). The goal is to give every child the best possible start in life

Child Find is a statewide program in Nevada designed to identify, locate, and evaluate children from age 3 through age 21 who may have disabilities and need special education or related services. Public schools are required by law to actively seek out and assess students who may need support, including those who are homeless, highly mobile, homeschooled, or enrolled in private schools. The goal of Child Find is to ensure that every child with a disability receives the services and education they need to succeed.

Click 10 Steps in the Sped Process Handout​ to see attachment

The transition from Part C to Part B marks a child’s move from early intervention services (birth to age three) to preschool special education services (ages three to five) under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This process ensures that children who continue to need support experience a smooth shift into the school system. Families, early intervention providers, and school district staff work together to plan the transition, review evaluations, and develop an Individualized Education Program (IEP) tailored to the child’s needs.

In Nevada, transition planning helps prepare students with disabilities—beginning no later than age 14—for life after high school. Transition services are part of the student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) and focus on building the skills and experiences needed for success in postsecondary education, employment, and independent living. The IEP team, including the student and family, works together to set meaningful goals and connect the student with community resources, vocational programs, and agencies that support adults with disabilities.

For more information and resources, visit the Nevada Transition Resource for Youth and Adults (Nevada TRIP) website.

For the Supported Decision Making Form click Here

For the Age of Majority Form click Here

For the application to represent educational interests click Here

For Parental Rights Transfer click Here

When a student with a disability reaches age 18 in Nevada, they are legally considered an adult and can make their own educational, medical, and financial decisions. However, some individuals may need support to make important life choices. Guardianship is a legal process in which a court appoints a responsible person (a guardian) to make certain decisions on behalf of an adult who cannot make them independently. Families should explore all options, including supported decision-making and power of attorney, before pursuing guardianship.

For more information and resources, visit the Nevada Center for Excellence in Disabilities (NCED) website or contact the Pershing County District Attorney

Click HERE for Public Guardian Information.

The Office of Comprehensive Student Services (OCSS) within the Nevada Department of Education oversees programs that support students with disabilities, gifted learners, and other special populations. OCSS ensures compliance with federal and state special education laws, provides technical assistance to school districts, and leads efforts to improve outcomes and equity for all students. Through its Nevada General Supervision System (NVGSS), OCSS monitors, documents, and enforces accountability for special education, working collaboratively with local education agencies to align services, support staff, and promote continuous improvement

Click HERE to see or print the Authorization to Release Information Form

If you have questions or need support regarding your child’s education or special education services, there are several resources available:

• Your Child’s School: Start by reaching out to your child’s teacher, special education case manager, or school administration. They can provide guidance, explain services, and help you access support within the school.

• Pershing County School District: For district-level assistance, contact:
  Address: 1150 Elmhurst Ave, Lovelock, NV 89419
  Phone: (775) 273-5099

• Nevada Department of Education – Office of Comprehensive Student Services: For statewide information, technical assistance, and guidance on special education laws and programs please click HERE

These resources can help you understand your rights, access services, and ensure your child receives the support they need to succeed.