Exceptional Children
Parents and educators can begin the referral process to determine a student's eligibility for Exceptional Children's services by working with the student's home school Student Assistance Team. At the appropriate time and if needed, the Student Assistance Team will work with the school's Exceptional Children's department to obtain necessary testing and assessment. To review data, interventions, records and assessment results, an Individual Education Program (IEP) team (which includes the parent/guardian) will meet and make the final decision regarding a student's eligibility for services.
Tyrrell County Schools follows all state and federal laws and guidelines governing the delivery of Exceptional Children's services. For more information contact the principal at your child's school or the Exceptional Children's Department Director at 252-796-1121.
TCS Staff of Excellence
Michele Brickhouse, EC Director, (252) 796-1121 ext. 232
Joyeria Brothers, EC Compliance, (252) 796-1121 ext. 524
Endia Yancey, EC Administrative Asst., (252) 796-1121
Tyrrell Elementary School: (252) 796-3881Kristy Thompson, Teacher/Case Manager
Laura Spencer, Teacher/Case Manager
Columbia Middle School: (252) 796-0369
Jeanette Collins, Teacher/Case Manager
Ashley Synard, Teacher/Case Manager
Columbia High School: (252) 796-8161
Theresa Flax, Teacher/Case Manager
Amanda Hall-Fleming, Teacher/Case Manager
Torene Webb, Teacher/Case Manager
Dondre Rome, Instructional Assistant
Support Staff:
Hilary Russell, Speech Pathologist
James Gaynor, Occupational Therapist
Dr. Dean McCall, Physical Therapist
James Gaynor, Occupational Therapist
Exceptional Children's Preschool Program:
Dedra Clegg, PK Lead Teacher
Betty Rose, PK Lead Teacher
Latisha Basnight, PK Instructional Assistant
Vivian Horton, PK Instructional Assistant
Tammy Sykes, PK Instructional Assistant
Important Links
Parent Resources - This handbook is designed to support families with the understanding of the rights and responsibilities specific to the special education process. Acronyms and terms often used in special education and resources can be found in the appendices.
If, at any time, you suspect your student may have a disability and is in need of special education and/or related services, you may request an evaluation, in writing, to your student’s school principal, teacher, or EC Teacher.
Project Child Find - For further information regarding Child Find or if you suspect your student may have a disabilityand need special education and/or related services, please contact: EC Program Director/Administrator – Michele Brickhouse , [email protected] 252-796-1121
Exceptional Children Division - NC DPI - The mission of the Exceptional Children Division is to ensure that students with disabilitiesdevelop intellectually, physically, emotionally, and vocationally through the provision of anappropriate individualized program in the least restrictive environment.
Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) for Families